Packhose Worker Cherries

PickNZ; Cromwell Community; On-site; NZD 28,000 - 36,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Performance bonus

Shift bonus

Seasonal accommodation

Job summary

PickNZ is seeking a packhouse worker for the Cromwell season in Central Otago, New Zealand. You will help grade, pack and prepare premium Central Otago cherries for customers around the world. Training is provided, and no prior packhouse experience is required.

You’ll join a team that values reliability, teamwork and attention to detail. Shifts include early mornings and late afternoons during peak periods, with 6–10 hour days and weekend work likely.

Qualifications

• No previous packhouse experience required; training provided.
• Physically fit and able to stand for extended periods.
• Reliable, hardworking and a team player.
• Interest in seasonal work in Central Otago.

Responsibilities

• Tip freshly harvested cherries into sorting and grading equipment.
• Grade, sort and check fruit quality.
• Pack cherries into boxes of different sizes and formats.
• Weigh and check packed product for accuracy.
• Lid and prepare boxes for dispatch.
• Move packed boxes to the coolstore.
• Keep work area clean, tidy and hygienic.
• Follow food safety, hygiene and workplace safety procedures.
• Work closely with team and supervisors to keep production running smoothly.
• Move between tasks as production requirements change.

Skills

Physically fit

Reliable and hardworking

Team players

Quality-focused

Flexible and safety-conscious

Job description

PACKHOUSE WORKER WANTED – SUMMER JOB IN CROMWELL
Location: Cromwell, Central Otago, New Zealand
Season: Summer 26/27 (December 2026 - January/February 2027)
Job Type: Seasonal Work

Be part of the team that gets our cherries ready for the world

Join our busy packhouse team and play an important role in grading, packing and preparing premium Central Otago cherries for customers around the world.

No previous packhouse experience is required - training is provided. We’re looking for reliable, hardworking people who enjoy working as part of a team and take pride in doing a great job.

About the Role

You’ll work as part of a team across different stages of the packing process, including:

• Tipping freshly harvested cherries into the sorting and grading equipment
• Grading, sorting and checking fruit quality
• Packing cherries into boxes of different sizes and formats
• Weighing and checking packed product for accuracy
• Lidding and preparing boxes for dispatch
• Moving packed boxes to the coolstore
• Keeping your work area clean, tidy and hygienic
• Following all food safety, hygiene and workplace safety procedures
• Working closely with your team and supervisors to keep production running smoothly
• Moving between different tasks as production requirements change

Shifts & working hours

During peak harvest, our packhouse operates extended hours and flexibility is important.

Depending on fruit volumes and operational requirements, you may be rostered for:

• Early morning shifts, with starts around 6:00 am
• Late afternoon / evening shifts
• Shifts generally range from6–10 hours, depending on fruit volumes
• Weekend work is required, with rostered days off during the week
• Somepublic holiday work may be required during peak periods

Harvest volumes can change from day to day, so the ability to be flexible with shifts is important.

What We’re Looking For

You don't need previous packhouse experience - training is provided. We're looking for people who are:

• Physically fit – comfortable standing for extended periods and performing repetitive packing tasks
• Reliable and hardworking – punctual, consistent and committed to doing a great job
• Team players – positive, respectful and able to communicate well with others
• Quality-focused – attentive to detail and able to maintain high standards
• Flexible and safety-conscious – able to adapt to changing production needs while following safety and food hygiene procedures

Previous packhouse, food production, warehouse or fruit industry experience is an advantage, but not essential.

What You’ll Get

• Great pay – rewarding effort, teamwork and reliability
• Performance bonus – rewarding those who stay the season with strong attendance and high performance
• Shift bonus – for working late afternoon/evening shifts during peak
• Work in a temperature-controlled environment during the Central Otago summer
• Work with an international team – meet people from all over
• Shift options during peak season – work either mornings or afternoons
• Supportive environment – training provided, ideas welcomed
• Seasonal accommodation options may be available – ask us for details
• Potential opportunities to return for future seasons