Orchard Hand

About the role

This position will cover multiple seasonal activities on the kiwifruit orchards owned by Whitehall Fruitpackers, leased by Whitehall Fruitpackers and independent growers over the course of the year. You'll receive full on-the-job training, gain hands-on experience across the entire kiwifruit growing cycle—from nursery work and pollination through to harvest—and have the option to complete a Primary ITO cadetship.

Key responsibilities

• Support kiwifruit vines throughout the full growing cycle, from nursery establishment through to harvest, including training young vines, grafting, thinning and other seasonal orchard tasks.
• Work in the pollen mill and assist with artificial pollination activities to support effective fruit set and the production of high-quality crops.
• Play an important part during harvest, working where needed in either the orchard or packhouse to help ensure fruit is picked, handled and prepared efficiently.
• Follow and actively contribute to Whitehall Fruitpackers' health and safety policies, procedures and site rules, helping to maintain a safe working environment for everyone.
• Comply with Whitehall Fruitpackers' health and hygiene requirements and all relevant food-safety standards, ensuring work is completed carefully and responsibly.

About you

• A genuine willingness to learn, take direction and build practical orchard skills through hands-on training.
• The ability to work respectfully alongside people from a wide range of cultures and backgrounds, and to communicate in a clear, positive and professional manner.
• Knowledge of or experience in horticulture, or a strong interest in developing a long-term career within the industry.
• A commitment to producing world-class crops, with care, attention to detail and pride in achieving consistently high standards.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to build positive working relationships and contribute effectively within a team environment.
• The flexibility to work well both independently and as part of a team, while completing tasks safely, efficiently and within required timeframes.
• A positive, practical "can-do" attitude, a reliable approach to work and enthusiasm for supporting the wider team.
• The ability to successfully complete a pre-employment drug test.
• A current, valid New Zealand driver licence.

About us

Whitehall Fruitpackers is one of the Waikato's leading horticultural businesses, with more than 300 canopy hectares of green, gold and red kiwifruit, including a strong organic production focus. Our operations also extend across dairy farming, dry stock, and apiaries.