Kiwifruit Thinning Positions

PickNZ; Katikati; On-site; NZD 30,000 - 39,000; Full time

Job summary

PickNZ is seeking a Seasonal Kiwifruit Thinning Worker to support the Spring bud thinning and summer fruit thinning on BOP orchards. You will perform hands-on thinning, removing excess buds, and using secateurs or loppers as needed in an outdoor setting.

No prior experience is required, and on-the-job training is provided. This role offers a valuable introduction to horticulture with opportunities to progress to other orchard tasks and seasonal employment.

Qualifications

• No experience required – on-the-job training provided!
• Good level of physical fitness and a strong work ethic
• Comfortable working outdoors in all weather
• For your safety height ideally between 1.6m and 1.78m due to canopy height
• Willingness to undergo random drug and alcohol testing
• Be aware: bees and pollen are prevalent during thinning
• Working on your feet all day, also with arms above head
• Quick learner, follows instructions with good attention to detail
• Reliable

Responsibilities

• Remove excess or misshapen flower buds and fruit by hand
• Use secateurs or loppers for pruning as needed
• Work under vines, often with arms raised above your head

Job description

Seasonal Job Opportunity: Kiwifruit Thinning Worker

Location: On orchards – BOP

Reports to: Orchard Manager and/or Orchard Supervisor

Season: Spring (bud thinning) and summer (fruit thinning)

About the Role: Join our team for the 2026 kiwifruit thinning season! Thinning involves the manual removal of excess flower or fruit buds from kiwifruit vines to help produce larger, higher-quality fruit and improve vine health. This is hands-on, physically demanding work performed outdoors.

Key Responsibilities:

• Remove excess or misshapen flower buds and fruit by hand
• Use secateurs or loppers for pruning as needed
• Work under vines, often with arms raised above your head

Why Join Us?

• Valuable seasonal employment, great for backpackers, short term contracts
• Opportunity to gain experience in horticulture
• Pathway to other orchard roles, such as harvesting

Job Requirements

• No experience required – on-the-job training provided!
• Good level of physical fitness and a strong work ethic
• Comfortable working outdoors in all weather
• For your safety height ideally between 1.6m and 1.78m due to canopy height
• Willingness to undergo random drug and alcohol testing
• Be aware: bees and pollen are prevalent during thinning
• Working on your feet all day, also with arms above head
• Quick learner, follows instructions with good attention to detail
• Reliable