Graduate Programme 2027 at Mr Apple Careers site (Whakatu, New Zealand)
Mr Apple Careers site· Whakatu, New Zealand·
Job description
Are you graduating in 2026 and ready to take the first step in your career? We have 3 graduate vacancies for 12-18 months available at Mr Apple in Hawke's Bay.
At Mr Apple, we don't just grow apples — we grow experts.
This programme is designed for ambitious graduates looking to gain real-world experience, build technical and commercial capability, and explore long-term career opportunities within horticulture. You'll be exposed to multiple areas of our integrated apple growing business, work alongside experienced industry professionals, and developing an understanding of the full life cycle of the apple from orchard to customer.
What you'll be doing:
You will develop skills and knowledge through hands-on learning, mentoring and 2–3 rotations that provide exposure to different departments across our business.
Through the programme you’ll have opportunities to:
- Build technical, operational, and commercial capability.
- Receive mentoring and development support.
- Learn from industry experts – developing meaningful professional networks.
- Participate and join in industry events.
Starting in January 2027, you'll complete a minimum of 2 work rotations within a 12 – 18-month contract in the following departments.
Post Harvest
Build an understanding of cool store and packhouse operations, inventory management, logistics, quality standards, and the systems that support the delivery of the world-class apples around the globe.
Orchards
Experience growing apples and learn about the systems, technology and expertise involved from redevelopment and crop management through to harvest.
Wider Business Exposure
Gain insight into how business support services contribute to the success of our business. Meet the people, contribute to projects, and learn how different experiences and roles can shape a successful career within horticulture.
What you'll bring:
- Passion – you are keen to learn, work hard and explore different roles within horticulture
- Completed a minimum of a Diploma or bachelor's degree in 2026 in a subject relevant to horticulture
- Strong communication skills, comfortable working in a team and autonomously
- High attention to detail and eye for quality
- You are willing to work both indoors and outdoors
- Own accommodation and transport (minimum of restricted licence) in Hawke’s Bay
- You have the right to work in New Zealand and are available for either 12 or 18-months contract
What we offer:
- Join a business committed to innovation and developing future talent
- Structured programme including mentoring and development support
- Minimum of 2 work rotations, with exposure across other areas of the business
- Opportunity to meet and learn from leaders and subject matter experts
- Open doors to future roles within Mr Apple and horticulture
Apply now
If you’re ready to launch your career in horticulture and learn from experts across one of New Zealand’s leading apple growers, apply now!
Advertising will be open until Sunday August 31st. All candidates will be notified of outcome by end of September.
Why work at Mr Apple Careers site
- Culture: Strong emphasis on being “one team,” with values of integrity, respect, diversity, and continuous improvement. The company celebrates difference and fosters a sense of belonging.
- Work Environment: Based in Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand, with roles spanning orchards, packhouses, coolstores, and a business support office in Whakatu. Roles range from hands-on seasonal work to professional careers in IT, finance, sales, marketing, logistics, and people & culture.
- Growth & Development: Strong commitment to “always growing” — both apples and people. The company invests in training and career development across all teams.
- Diversity & Inclusion: Actively embraces a richly diverse team, with a significant RSE programme bringing workers from Pacific nations. The Head of People & Culture leads a dedicated Health & Safety & Wellbeing team.
- Work Arrangement: On-site roles based in Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand. Roles span seasonal/casual (packhouse, orchard, coolstore) to permanent professional positions (IT, finance, sales, marketing, HR).
- Notable Perks: Being part of a globally recognised brand; working in a beautiful region; opportunity to work across the full apple supply chain; strong focus on employee wellbeing and pastoral care for seasonal workers.