Orchard Worker – Winter Pruning and Summer work

There will be a variety of tasks you will be required to undertake on the orchards, based in Te Teko and Awakeri: winter pruning kiwifruit vines, installing poles and strings, summer pruning, planting or thinning kiwifruit vines. A kiwifruit thinner removes excess buds or fruit from the vines by hand to allow the remaining buds/fruit to grow to an acceptable size.

Winter Pruning Kiwifruit is a skilled job that requires a strong understanding of kiwifruit cane selection. Kiwifruit vines are pruned by use of secateurs, loppers, or electronic pruners. Pruning specifications and requirements are set by the grower.

Pruning is often paid on an incentive/production basis. All work over the spring and summer is paid at an hourly rate to ensure work is completed to a high standard.

If interested email you CV to Work Broker debbie.bradley011@msd.govt.nz

Work will go from June-December:

• Planting and Grafting June – July • Structural repairs of Orchard June - September • Winter Pruning, June – September • Poles and Strings, August – September • Bud Thinning, October – November • Tipping and Training canes up strings, November • Fruit Thinning, November – December

Other tasks maybe required of you from time to time that relate to the maintenance of and upkeep of the kiwifruit orchards.

1- Must undergo and pass a pre employment drug test. 2- Our orchards are based in Te Teko and Awakeri , so own reliable transport a MUST, with minimum of restricted driver licence. 3- Ladders and elevated work platforms may also be used so good level of fitness is required 4- willing and able to work across all 7 days of the week.

No previous experience is needed as all training is provided on-the-job.