Technical Assistant

We have an exciting opportunity for a Kiwifruit Technical Assistant to join Apata .

This is a great opportunity for someone who is looking for variety in their role, working on orchard and onsite with our technical teams. You'll likes to think differently, push boundaries, and bring fresh ideas to the table. We’re looking for someone curious, proactive, and confident shaping this role and making it their own.

You’ll work closely with growers and internal teams to lift orchard performance, fruit quality, and technical capability across our network.

About us

Trusted by kiwifruit and avocado growers since the 1980s. At Apata, we continue to live and breathe our mission and purpose today. Our key pillars – Performance, Leadership, Transparency, and Relationships, serve as our foundation for achieving meaningful and lasting success. At the core of Apata's business is our harvest and processing of kiwifruit from strategically located Te Puke and Katikati packhouses and cool-storage facilities.

Supporting our orchard and packhouse activities we're recognised as an industry leader in technical support and all aspects of orchard production. Our business is driven by the loyalty and support of its grower base and success is achieved by the investment in high calibre staff and operating equipment.

About the role

This varied role provides exposure across orchard operations, technical services, harvest support, and grower engagement.

Key responsibilities include:

• Collecting and analysing orchard and monitoring data
• Supporting pest monitoring and technical programmes
• Assisting with crop assessments and harvest activities
• Supporting grower workshops, field days, and communications
• Contributing to trials, research, and continuous improvement projects
• Working alongside growers and operational teams to improve orchard performance

What You'll Bring

You'll ideally have:

• A qualification in horticulture, agriculture, or a related field (or be working towards one)
• A passion for horticulture and learning
• Strong attention to detail and organisational skills
• Confidence working with data and Microsoft Excel
• Great communication and relationship-building skills
• A proactive, can-do attitude

Why Join Apata?

This role offers a unique opportunity to develop your technical capability, gain hands-on industry experience, and build a rewarding career in New Zealand's kiwifruit industry.

If you're curious, motivated, and keen to learn from some of the best in the business, we'd love to hear from you.

Click the link to apply.

Apata is committed to wellbeing, diversity, and equity. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and encourage you to let us know if you require support during the recruitment process.