Honey Extraction Operator

Comvita Apiaries; Te Awamutu, Kihikihi; On-site; NZD 34,440,000 - 46,838,000; Full time

Job summary

Comvita Apiaries in Te Awamatuwa area (Waikato) is seeking Honey Extraction Operators for a seasonal fixed-term role from 9 November 2026 to 16 April 2027. Must have NZ work rights; bees in sheds are a normal part of the environment. On-site work with become day-to-day, with a 6am–4pm schedule, Monday to Saturday, with potential overtime on weekends.

Pay rate is $29.90 gross per hour plus 8% holiday pay. Applicants should be physically fit, reliable, and able to work on their feet all day.

Qualifications

• Strong understanding of written and spoken English - essential.
• Physically able to be on your feet all day.
• Willingness to learn and take on new responsibilities.

Responsibilities

• Carry out manual tasks such as lifting, moving, and stacking.
• Operate basic hand tools and equipment as needed for the job.
• Follow safety guidelines and procedures to ensure a secure working environment.
• Maintain cleanliness and organization of the work area.
• Collaborate with team members and supervisors to meet production goals.

Skills

English proficiency

Job description

We are looking for Honey Extraction Operators to join our team on seasonal fixed term contract, from 9th November 2026 - 16th April 2027.

To apply for these fixed term seasonal role, you must have current work rights in New Zealand. We are unable to support work visa applications for these positions.

About the Role

As a Honey Extraction Operator, you will perform various physical tasks such as lifting and moving boxes of raw honey, machine operation, upholding high levels of health and safety, and food quality practices. You will be on your feet for most of the day and so you must be able to perform day-to-day physical work on your feet. We provide all PPE including safety footwear and jackets/coveralls to keep your clothes clean.

• Start date: 9th November 2026
• End date: 16th April 2027
• Days of work: Monday - Saturday. A typical work week is Monday - Friday but we may offer you additional hours over the weekend. Overtime is paid at standard rate.
• Hours of work: 6am - 4pm
• Rate of pay: $29.90 (gross) per hour + 8% holiday pay.

Key responsibilities include;

• Carry out manual tasks such as lifting, moving, and stacking.
• Operate basic hand tools and equipment as needed for the job.
• Follow safety guidelines and procedures to ensure a secure working environment.
• Maintain cleanliness and organization of the work area.
• Collaborate with team members and supervisors to meet production goals.

What we would like from you;

• Strong understanding of written and spoken English - essential.
• Physically able to be on your feet all day.
• Strong work ethic and reliability.
• Basic understanding of workplace safety practices.
• Willingness to learn and take on new responsibilities.
• Team player with effective communication skills.
• Forklift driving experience (and license) is useful but not necessary.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to lift and carry objects weighing up to 30 kgs.
• Stamina and fitness to perform repetitive tasks on your feet for extended periods.
• Comfort with working indoors, and around bees as we often get bees flying into our sheds.

NOTE: We conduct pre-employment drug testing as well as random screening throughout the year as standard practice across our business.

Comvita is an organisation which is committed to wellbeing, diversity and equity. We celebrate diversity and nurture belonging within our global team. We welcome people of all ages, nationalities, genders, cultures and accessibility needs. If you have any support or access requirements, we encourage you to advise us so we can support you through your recruitment journey.

Comvita's Commitment to Ethical Employment Practices

Comvita is committed to upholding the rights of young workers and ensuring that child labour has no place in our operations or supply chain. We do not employ individuals under the age of 18 and strictly prohibit anyone under 18 from performing work that may involve hazardous conditions or materials.

We do not tolerate the use of child labour or forced labour in any part of our business or among our suppliers. No child is to be involved in the production of our products or in the provision of materials or services to Comvita.

This commitment reflects our core values and our responsibility to support safe, fair, and ethical working conditions across all aspects of our business.