Seniors in the kiwifruit industry

The NZ Kiwifruit Industry has more than 150 million trays of green, gold, and red kiwifruit waiting to be picked and packed in 2023.

For that, we’re going to need over 20,000 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. In the 2023 season, harvesting roles paid an average of $28.45 per hour. Rates, however, do vary, from a minimum of $22.70. These rates can be affected depending on whether you are paid hourly or on a piece rate, i.e. a rate based on how much. All workers must receive the minimum wage which as of the 1st of April 2023 is $22.70 + 8% holiday pay.

Most unskilled packhouse roles such as packing, start from $22.70 plus holiday pay; more skilled roles in the packhouse for trained and experienced workers can pay up to $50 per hour.

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)