Seasonal Orchard Work - Thinning 2026 at Mr Apple (Whakatu, New Zealand)
Mr Apple· Whakatu, New Zealand·
Job description
Join New Zealand’s largest apple growing and export business this summer. We have full-time apple thinning opportunities available across our orchards in Hastings, Napier and Central Hawke’s Bay from November through to December.
This is a great opportunity to earn money over summer, stay active outdoors and gain hands-on experience in New Zealand’s horticulture industry.
What you'll be doing
Apple thinning is an important part of producing our high-quality apples. You will be removing excess apples from trees, helping the remaining apples to grow to the quality standards we’re known for around the world. You'll receive training and support from our experienced orchard teams.
This role involves:
- Working outdoors in a range of weather conditions
- Being on your feet for most of the day
- Repetitive hand and arm movements
- Carrying and working from ladders
- Walking across uneven orchard terrain
- Working as part of a team to meet quality and productivity targets
What you'll bring
- Availability to work full-time throughout the thinning season (November to December)
- A good level of physical fitness and the ability to perform repetitive manual work
- Confidence working outdoors and on ladders
- Reliable transport to and from work each day
- A positive attitude, strong work ethic and willingness to learn
- Reliability and the ability to turn up ready to work each day
- The ability to work well as part of a team
- The legal right to work in New Zealand and the ability to pass pre-employment checks
Note: If you have exams, planned leave or other commitments, we encourage you to discuss these with us during the recruitment process.
What we offer
- Hourly rate of $23.95, with piece rate opportunities available
- Full-time seasonal work
- Training and support from experienced orchard teams
- A great team environment where your contribution is valued
- The opportunity to stay active and work outdoors
- Exposure to New Zealand's largest apple growing and export business
- The chance to earn money and build experience over your summer break
Who we are
At Mr Apple, apples are what we do. As New Zealand’s largest apple grower and exporter, we proudly grow, pack and market premium apples enjoyed around the world.
Our success comes from our people. With more than 2,00 team members from a wide range of background, we’re committed to creating opportunities for people to learn, develop and contribute to something they can be proud of.
Join us this summer and be a part of a team helping deliver the perfect crunch to customers around the world.
Why work at Mr Apple
- Culture: Values-driven environment (“We are one team”, “Always Growing”, “Embrace Diversity”, “Live the Standard”) with a strong focus on integrity, respect, and continuous improvement.
- Work Style: Predominantly on-site roles based in the Hawke’s Bay region (Whakatu, Hastings, CHB). Roles span orchards, packhouses, workshops, technology delivery, and head office functions.
- Growth & Impact: Opportunity to work in a world-leading agribusiness that exports a quarter of NZ’s apple crop. Career paths from hands-on technical roles to senior leadership (e.g., Head of Technology Delivery, Head of People & Culture).
- Perks: Being part of a close-knit, diverse team in a beautiful region; exposure to innovative agricultural technology; support for professional development through the “Always Growing” value.