Kiwifruit Thinning Positions
Published | 22/09/2025 |
Location | 455 Tiniroto Road, Ngatapa, Gisborne, New Zealand |
Category | Kiwifruit |
Job Type | Need Staff Now |
Number of Roles Available | 20 |
Start Date | 2025/09/29 |
End Date | 2025/11/14 |
Starting Rate | $25 |
Description

🌱 Seasonal Job Opportunity: Kiwifruit Thinning Worker 🌱
Location: On orchard – Gisborne
Reports to: Orchard Manager and/or Orchard Supervisor
Season: Early spring (bud thinning) and summer (fruit thinning)
About the Role:
Join our team for the 2025 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
Please apply via Apata website: www.apata.co.nz
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