Apple Packing From 9th March
| Published | 24/02/2026 |
| Location | Ettrick, New Zealand |
| Category | Apples and Pears |
| Job Type | Need Staff Soon |
| Number of Roles Available | 4 |
| Start Date | 2026/03/09 |
| End Date | 2026/07/10 |
| Starting Rate | $23.50 |
| Job Benefits | Accommodation |
Description
The apple season is nearly here! The chillers will be full, and we require fit, hardworking positive people to complete the final step in the chain of fruit production – the pack house!
We are looking for people to join us from 9th March.
Other vacancies in April may be possible
What can we offer you?
*Unbeatable team atmosphere – small family owned company
*Feel appreciated and valued. We put people first
*Awesome location – a great base to explore from (within 2 hours of Dunedin, Queenstown,
Wanaka, Invercargill, Catlins)
*Take to our beautiful walking and cycling tracks on your days off
*Affordable, comfortable accommodation
*Fine tune your skills and gain experience
*Make life long connections
What can you offer us?
*A desire to work hard
*Good English and communication skills
*Reliability and punctuality
*Friendly, positive attitude
*Happy to contribute to a team environment
*A willingness to accept instruction
*A commitment to the whole packing season
*Own transportation is ideal between accommodation and Packhouse.
Being one of a team of "Packers", you will be required to pack fruit into the appropriate packaging and discard any fruit that does not come up to standard. Training is given to help you recognize the standard of fruit required, also how to switch your table belts on and off safely. An element of lifting is required.
At the end of the day, cleaning up immediate work area, picking up any dropped fruit and taking the discards out to the assigned place, as well as sweeping and cleaning rollers and belts.
The work is quite repetitive, and you will need the ability to self-motivate to achieve goals and manage yourself when the work is physically demanding as the job requires you to spend long periods on your feet. Temperatures in Central Otago can be extreme.
Our usual work hours are 8am to 5pm, although these hours may be longer when necessary due to the volume of fruit being harvested. During summer fruit packing we work Monday to Saturday inclusive.
Work is paid by the hour, with an hourly rate of $23.50 plus 8% holiday pay.
Accommodation is available. Cost is $19 per night per person in a twin share room. Full facilities provided - kitchen, laundry, shower. Other accommodation options are available if you are self-contained.
Interested? Fantastic! We will then send you an application form to complete and return via email.
Any questions, please don’t hesitate to send us an email to
employment@darlingsfruit.co.nz
*Applicants must be a New Zealand citizen or resident, or hold a current WH Visa for the duration of the work period
Thank you for your interest and we look forward to hearing from you!
Job Requirements
Must be fit.
Own transportation preferred.
