March in Gisborne means kiwifruit vines heavy with fruit, orchards buzzing with activity, and the start of one of New Zealand’s most important harvests. Apata, a well known name in the kiwifruit industry, is looking for pickers to join their team. You will carefully pick fruit from the vines, handle it gently to avoid damage, sort and pack according to quality standards, and work efficiently to meet daily targets. No prior experience is necessary because full training is provided. The pay is $25.50 per hour plus 8 percent holiday pay, and bucket or bin rate bonuses reward those who work quickly and carefully. You need to be physically fit, able to carry up to 20 kilograms, comfortable on your feet all day, and ready to work outdoors in all weather. If you are reliable, punctual, detail orientated, and enjoy being part of a team, apply online now for a March start.
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About the Company
Apata is a leading player in New Zealand’s kiwifruit industry, based in Gisborne. They are passionate about producing high quality fruit for export markets around the world. The company values safety, quality, and teamwork. Pickers are treated fairly, trained properly, and rewarded for their efforts with competitive pay and bonuses. For seasonal workers on working holiday visas or locals seeking good money in the outdoors, Apata is a trusted and respected employer.
What You Will Do Every Day
You will walk through kiwifruit orchards, identifying ripe fruit ready for harvest. You will pick each piece by hand, being extremely careful to avoid bruising or damage because quality standards are high. You will place fruit into a picking bag that you carry across your shoulders, and when the bag is full, you will gently empty it into a large orchard bin. You will sort fruit as you pick, discarding any that is damaged or does not meet packhouse standards. You will work at a steady pace to meet daily picking targets, knowing that bonuses reward those who balance speed with care. You will follow all safety protocols, keeping your work area clean and safe. You will work outdoors in variable weather, from warm sunny mornings to cool overcast days. You will coordinate with other pickers to cover rows systematically, helping each other to complete each block. You may also use ladders or platforms to reach higher fruit. At the end of each day, you will see the bins you helped fill. The work is physical, repetitive, and satisfying. You will get fit and get paid.
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What We Are Looking For
No prior experience is necessary. Training is provided. You must be physically fit and able to work outdoors in various weather conditions. You need to be able to work on your feet all day, carrying up to 20 kilograms at a time. A reliable and punctual attitude is essential. You must have attention to detail because quality matters. You need to be able to work well in a team. You must have the legal right to work in New Zealand with citizenship, residency, or a valid work visa. You will need your own IRD number and a New Zealand bank account. Having your own transport to the orchards is required. No degree is mentioned or required. Your height is not specified, but you should be comfortable reaching above your head. A March start date is approaching, so you need to be ready to begin soon.
Pay and Benefits
The base pay rate is 27.54. On top of that, bucket and bin rate bonuses reward you for working efficiently and carefully. The more high quality fruit you pick without damage, the more you earn. You will work full time hours during the harvest season, typically eight to nine hours per day, up to six days per week depending on weather and harvest conditions. You will be part of a supportive team, gain valuable horticulture experience, and work outdoors in the beautiful Gisborne region.
How to Apply
Apply online now for a March start. Visit the Apata employment page at www.apata dot co dot nz slash employment. Complete the online application form and attach your CV. Make sure to highlight your physical fitness, reliability, and availability. The harvest is coming fast, so do not wait. A well paid, bonus eligible kiwifruit picking role with a reputable Gisborne employer does not come up every day. Submit your application today and get ready to pick, earn, and be part of the March harvest. Your season starts now.
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