A good kiwifruit picker does more than just pull fruit off vines. They protect quality, avoid damage, and take pride in passing packhouse audits. Rawhiti Hort, a small local business that manages kiwifruit orchards for clients and runs a large harvesting operation, is looking for people to join their team. Typical daily tasks include harvesting fruit into picking bags, discarding rotting or over ripe fruit, and carefully transferring fruit into bins. You will follow directions from experienced staff, supervisors, and managers to meet picking standards set by the packhouse. No experience is required. Rawhiti Hort is a member of NZ Ethical Employers and genuinely cares about the wellbeing of their people. They are a Kiwis first employer, so if you are a New Zealander, make that clear in your application. Read on if you are ready for outdoor work that values quality and safety.
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About the Company
Rawhiti Hort is a small, locally owned business based in New Zealand’s kiwifruit growing region. They manage orchards for clients and operate a large kiwifruit harvesting operation. The company is proud to be a member of NZ Ethical Employers, meaning they treat their workers fairly, pay correctly, and prioritise wellbeing. The team is supportive, and supervisors are experienced. For seasonal workers who want a responsible employer that values quality over just speed, Rawhiti Hort is an excellent choice.
What You Will Do Every Day
You will walk through kiwifruit orchards, identifying ripe fruit ready for harvest. You will pick fruit by hand, carefully placing each piece into a picking bag that you carry across your shoulders. You will discard any rotting or over ripened kiwifruit, keeping only quality fruit. You will transfer picked fruit from your bag into large orchard bins, taking extreme care to avoid bruising or damage. You will be vigilant because damaged fruit affects packhouse grades and orchard reputation. You will follow directions from experienced staff, supervisors, and managers, ensuring a quality pick at all times. You will assist the site with passing picking audits by being aware of and meeting picking standards consistently. You will also help with general orchard work such as moving bins, clearing fallen fruit, or tidying work areas. You will work outdoors in variable weather, from warm sunny mornings to cool overcast days. The work is physical, repetitive, and requires concentration. Every piece of fruit matters.
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What We Are Looking For
No experience is required. Training is provided on the job. You need to be physically fit and able to carry a heavy picking bag for full shifts. You must have a good eye for quality, able to spot rotting or over ripe fruit and remove it. You need to be reliable, punctual, and able to follow instructions carefully. A positive attitude and willingness to learn are essential. You must have the legal right to work in New Zealand, with citizenship, residency, or a valid work visa. Rawhiti Hort is a Kiwis first employer, so if you are a New Zealander, mention that clearly in your application. You will need your own IRD number and a New Zealand bank account. Having your own transport is helpful. No degree is mentioned or required. You should be comfortable working at heights on ladders if needed.
Pay and Benefits
The hourly rate for this kiwifruit picking role is between NZD 24 and NZD 28 per hour depending on experience and performance. That aligns with current market rates for harvest work in New Zealand. You will work full time hours, typically eight to nine hours per day, up to six days per week depending on weather and harvest conditions. Rawhiti Hort is an ethical employer, so you can expect correct holiday pay, breaks, and fair treatment. You will gain valuable horticulture experience and learn the standards required to pass packhouse audits. The team is supportive and cares about your wellbeing.
How to Apply
To apply, submit your application through the method provided in the original listing. Make sure to state clearly if you are a New Zealander, as that will bring you to the top of the list to contact. Include your work rights, availability, and any relevant experience. The harvest season is approaching, so do not wait. A quality focused, ethically run kiwifruit picking role with a small local business does not come up every day. Send your application today and get ready to pick with care, earn fairly, and be part of a team that values its people. Your harvest season starts now.
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