Orchard

Pick Organic and be our Harvest Hero

A huge thank you to all those seasonal staff who worked with Bostock during the 2023/24 Season.

Applications are now closed, we hope to hear from you when we start to recruit for apple thinning which is to begin in early November.

THINNER

Early November - Mid December Thinning our apple crop is a vital part of the growing cycle. Thinning involves removing apple fruitlets by hand from our organic apple trees. This needs to happen to get the right colour and apple size for each apple variety. This job requires good attention to detail but no experience is required. We will provide full training to any successful applicant. The ability to work at heights on a ladder and a good level of fitness is required. Thinning is paid per hour.

Work requirements: Valid visa or NZ citizenship, NZ bank account and IRD number.

Rates and hours: Generally, 5-6 days a week up until mid-December with the opportunity to work extended hours during busy times. Weekly hours can sometimes be dependent on the weather,

PICKER

Early Feb - Mid May Apple Pickers are the backbone of our seasonal workforce, responsible for selecting and handpicking our organic apples to match the size and colour required for each variety. Pickers need to be fit and healthy and be able to move up and down picking ladders safely while carrying a bucket of apples. Apple pickers are paid a ‘per bin’ rate, which means the more you pick, the more you’re paid. Experienced pickers who are fast and motivated can earn more than $1,500 a week. All workers, regardless of how much they pick are paid a base minimum wage of $20 per hour.

Work Requirements: Valid visa or NZ Citizenship, NZ bank account and IRD Number.

Rates and hours: Minimum of $21.20 per hour with additional payments based on the number of bins picked per day. Generally 6 days a week (including some weekends), weekly hours can sometimes be dependent on weather and crop readiness

TRACTOR DRIVER

Feb - May Tractor drivers are responsible for bin placement and removal. They position empty bins at convenient positions for picks and remove filled bins ready to be stacked onto trucks. Tractor drivers need to be constantly on the lookout for hazards around the orchard, from pickers to other tractors. This can be a challenging role and drivers need to be experienced. Tractor Drivers are paid per hour.

Work requirements: Current drivers licence (restricted or above), experience driving tractors in orchards, Valid Visa or NZ Citizenship, NZ bank account and IRD number.

Rates and hours: Hourly rate based on experience. Generally 6 days a week (including some weekends), weekly hours can sometimes be dependent on weather and crop readiness.

QUALITY CONTROLLER

Feb - May Quality Controllers are in charge of monitoring pickers, supervising a team 10-15 people. QCs make sure the right colour and size for the variety is being picked and the quality of the fruit is maintained. QCs make sure the right colour and size for the variety is being picked and the quality of the fruit is maintained. QCs also assist their teams, training them on the job to encourage correct techniques are used. Those roles are generally recruited from within our existing staff or are seasonal staff who have proven QC experience. This is not an entry-level position however it is a role that is recruited throughout the season, and reliable picking staff who have a good eye for detail can be promoted to this role. This role is paid hourly.

Work requirements: Valid visa or NZ citizenship, NZ bank account and IRD number.

Rates and hours: Generally 6 days a week (including some weekends), weekly hours can sometimes be dependent on weather and crop readiness.