Finding a comfortable and affordable place to stay during your seasonal work can make a big difference to your experience. Here are some practical tips and resources to help you secure accommodation.
Worker Welfare
At the heart of the kiwifruit industry are the people who make it thrive. Healthy, happy teams are essential for producing quality fruit and sustaining a strong industry. On this page, you’ll find information about the conditions you can expect when working in the New Zealand kiwifruit industry.
Working for a grower or contractor
All kiwifruit growers and contractors are audited to ensure they meet worker welfare standards. If you’re going to work for a contractor, confirm that they are an approved contractor and Zespri-compliant. You can check this using the Zespri approved contractor lists here.
Employment agreements
Every worker must receive a written employment agreement to read and sign. This document includes:
- Details about you and your employer
- Employment term
- Place of work and duties
- Hours of work
- Wage or salary payable, including holiday pay
- How to resolve employment relationship problems
- Any other agreed matters, such as trial or probationary periods
For more information, see Employment agreements | Employment New Zealand
Pay and breaks
Pay rates vary depending on the employer and the role, but all workers must receive at least the minimum wage plus 8% holiday pay. By law, workers are entitled to:
- Rest breaks: 10 minutes
- Meal breaks: 30 minutes
- The number of breaks depends on the length of your shift.
For more information, see:
Payslips and tax
Payslips confirm that both employer and employee agree on pay details. Employees can request wage and time records showing pay rate, hours worked, deductions, and payment method. Income earned in New Zealand is subject to tax under the PAYE system and an ACC levy for workplace injury coverage. Employers cannot make other deductions without your signed permission.
Health and safety
Like all jobs, kiwifruit workplaces have hazards, which may include machinery, chemicals, sharp tools, and heavy lifting. Employers must provide and maintain a safe work environment and offer training, information, and supervision to protect workers from risks.
For more information, see Workers | WorkSafe
Resolving issues
If you feel you’re not being treated fairly, you can seek help from:
- Employment New Zealand – Free employment information (0800 209 020)
- Labour Inspectorate – Investigate breaches of minimum employment conditions (0800 209 020)
- Employment Relations Authority (ERA) – Independent resolution of employment issues (09 970 1550)
- Crimestoppers – Report immigration fraud or worker exploitation (0800 55 111)
- Citizens Advice Bureau – General advice on worker issues
- NZKGI – Call 0800 232 505 or message us on Facebook at Kiwifruit Jobs New Zealand
New Zealand offers practical training and apprenticeship pathways in horticulture and kiwifruit through polytechnics, private providers, universities, and industry programmes. Scholarships, leadership opportunities, and NZKGI initiatives like Winter Pruning Training and Horticulture Taster Courses help newcomers gain skills and enter the industry with confidence.