A family-owned orchard near Hastings, in Hawke’s Bay, is hiring fruit pickers and orchard hands to join a small, dedicated team. This is a full-time role with a clear pay rate of $28 to $35 per hour, which sits well above the New Zealand minimum wage. The orchard wants a self-motivated, hardworking person who takes pride in a clean pick and a fair day’s effort.
You will work outdoors across the orchard, picking fruit during harvest and helping with other orchard tasks between picking rounds. Most days run on a regular daytime shift, Monday to Friday, with extra hours likely when the fruit is ready and the bins need to move quickly. Because the pay rate is fixed and strong, this job rewards people who want steady, reliable income rather than short bursts of casual work. It is a good fit if you are putting down roots in the region and want a job you can count on week to week.
Company Overview
The employer is a family-owned orchard in the Hawke’s Bay region, one of New Zealand’s leading fruit-growing areas. The team is small and tight-knit, which means each worker matters and your effort gets noticed. The owners run the orchard hands-on and value people who show up, listen, and learn the job properly. Expect a down-to-earth workplace where a good attitude counts as much as raw speed, and where the same faces return season after season. Because the crew is small, you will learn a broad range of orchard skills rather than doing one repeated task, and the owners are usually working right alongside you to show how things are done.
Responsibilities
- Pick fruit by hand to the quality standard the owners set
- Handle fruit carefully so it reaches the packhouse in top condition
- Fill and stack bins, then move them to the collection points
- Thin, prune, and tidy trees during the quieter parts of the season
- Help with general orchard upkeep, such as clearing rows and checking irrigation
- Report damaged trees, pests, or fruit problems to the owner
- Keep tools and equipment clean and stored correctly
- Work safely and look out for the rest of the small team
Qualifications and Requirements
- Some orchard or outdoor work helps, but the owners will train the right person
- A strong work ethic and the drive to work without close supervision
- Solid physical fitness for lifting, bending, and long days on your feet
- Basic English to take instructions and report issues
- A valid right to work in New Zealand
- A reliable way to get to the orchard each morning
- A full or restricted driver licence is useful but not essential
Benefits and Perks
- Strong, fixed pay of $28 to $35 per hour
- Full-time hours with a regular weekday routine
- Training from experienced owners who know the orchard well
- A small, supportive team where your work is valued
- Variety in your week, from picking to pruning and upkeep
- Extra hours during harvest for those who want them
- A stable role with the chance to stay on long term
How to Apply
If steady, well-paid orchard work sounds right for you, prepare a short CV that covers your work history and any hands-on or outdoor experience. Mention your availability, whether you hold a driver licence, and how long you plan to stay in the area. A short, honest note about yourself goes a long way with a small family team. Send your updated CV to the employer through the official job listing.