Seasonal Work - Kiwifruit

"The Bay of Plenty is the Kiwifruit capital of the world!" Tauranga is situated in the middle of one of New Zealand's major exporting industries with orchards and packhouses all around the area.

We can assist you in finding seasonal work - work is available all year, but the PEAK months are April until September, which are the picking and packing times. There is work outdoors in orchards or indoors in the packhouses, grading sheds and coolstores. September through to April there is limited work pruning.

No previous experience is neccessary and you will get on-the-job training. There are a range of jobs for young, old, skilled and unskilled people. You will need to be fit, enthusiastic and reliable. Having your own transport is a bonus but can be organised for a small cost.

We do not charge a fee for finding you work but you must stay at harbourside City Backpackers if we find you a job. There is a minimum 2 week commitment (For picking you are required to commit for the whole season approx 6-8 weeks). If you leave the hostel, you leave the job.
We offer weekly rates for guests.

Harbourside City Backpackers has close working relationships with honest Contractors and we advise you to work only with Contractors that we recommend. There are many Packhouses in the area that we also work in with.

Kiwifruit Packhouses

There are many pack houses in and around Tauranga. Work will begin at the end of March/April. You must fill out an application form before they will employ you. Register NOW.

Closest ones are Huka Packhouse. Ph. 575 9812 & Aerocool Packhouse Ph. 575 6218.

DMS Packhouse - Te Puna Ph. 552 5916 (15 min drive)

East Pac Packhouse - Quarry Rd, Te Puka Ph. 573 9309 (20 min drive)

Apata Packhouse - Omokoroa Ph. 552 0624 (20 min drive)

Bars & Cafes

As we are right in town all local employers can contact us first if they are needing workers. There are plenty of jobs, especially in the summer time!

Seasonal Work - Other

We also supply workers to various other seasonal work in the area, such as:

• Fish Factory
• Cheese Factory
• Cake Factory
• Recycling Plant
• Demolition

These jobs are all year round, with more demand from September – February.

Work Permits

Visitors to New Zealand who do not hold a New Zealand passport or a resident permit need to apply for a work permit. Visitors interested in applying for work permits should make enquiries at their New Zealand Embassy or the NZ Immigration Service. (www.immigration.govt.nz)

UPDATE: Due to recent changes with Work and Income approving contractors to be SSE (TRSE) Approved Contractors, it will now be alot harder to obtain seasonal work while holding an SSE permit. If possible, a Working Holiday Visa (WHV) will be of better value in the long run, as you will be eligible to work for an employer who is not SSE approved. (SSE Approved Contractors need to obtain permission from Work and Income to employ SSE
permit holders, but do not need this permission for WHV holders). In some cases, if you have a WHV and have worked in seasonal work for a period of 3 months, you may be able to extend your WHV - Please check your countries details on the NZ Immigration website.

This information has been provided by an Immigration Advisor. Please check the NZ Immigration website for further information on SSE and WHV policies.

Inland Revenue Department

You will need to apply for an IRD number (tax number) when you first arrive in New Zealand. You cannot get paid until you have this number. It takes 10 working days to process. (www.ird.govt.nz) Alternatively, we are within walking distance to the Seasonal Labour Office on Durham Street, and
they are able to process your IRD number within 2-3 days for a small fee.

Bank Account

You will need to set up a bank account in New Zealand so your employers can pay you money into an account. The National Bank of New Zealand here in Tauranga / Mount Maunganui will easily open up a bank account – all you need is your passport!