Seniors in the kiwifruit industry

We need thousands of seasonal workers from March through June at orchards and packhouses in Northland, Auckland, Waikato, the Bay of Plenty, Poverty Bay, Hawke’s Bay, the lower North Island and the Tasman area.

ROLES

Orchard work can be physically demanding but packhouse roles are available to suit all ages, including sorting/grading, packing, packhouse supervision and management, logistical support (e.g. forklift operation).
Benefits of the work for seniors include socialising with others of all ages and nationalities, the exercise and the variety of locations in some of NZ’s most beautiful regions.
Kiwifruit work isn’t just limited to harvest and post-harvest picking and processing, however; growing kiwifruit is nearly a year-round operation and long-term and permanent roles are also available.

PAY RATES: Pay rates vary depending on the employer and the nature of the seasonal role. All workers must receive the minimum wage + 8% holiday pay.

PROVISION FOR SENIORS: A number of kiwifruit employers have made provisions for seniors wishing to take up seasonal roles such as shorter shifts and jobsharing arrangements. Some packhouse sites also offer parking space for the growing number of “grey nomads” – retired people travelling New Zealand and open to casual working opportunities.

IMPORTANT CONSIDERATIONS: NZ Kiwifruit Growers Inc. places a strong emphasis on worker welfare and urges anyone considering taking up a seasonal role to thoroughly familiarise themselves with their rights and check out prospective employers carefully. Anyone who experiences issues or has concerns about their employment should contact NZKGI on 0800 232 5050.

MORE INFORMATION: More detailed information can be found in the useful guide to kiwifruit jobs, The Little Green and Gold Book and the Kiwifruit Jobs NZ Facebook page (@KiwifruitJobsNZ)