Harvest / Orchard Winter Hand – Appleby, Nelson (Seasonal Farm Job)
Job Overview
FarmRight Ltd is seeking hardworking and reliable individuals to join its orchard team as Harvest / Orchard Winter Hands in Appleby, located close to the beautiful Abel Tasman National Park.
This seasonal role provides an excellent opportunity for people who enjoy outdoor work and want to gain practical experience in the horticulture industry. Workers actively participate in orchard activities such as harvesting fruit, pruning trees, maintaining orchard structures, and supporting general farm operations.
The company offers this position as a fixed-term contract starting approximately in early March 2026 and continuing until mid-September 2026. The role covers both the busy harvest season and the winter orchard maintenance period.
Individuals who want to build a career in agriculture or horticulture can gain valuable industry experience through this position and may also discover future long-term opportunities within the sector.
Key Responsibilities
Harvesting Activities
Workers carefully hand-pick apples and other orchard produce during the harvest season. They place harvested fruit into picking bags and bins while maintaining quality standards and handling produce with care to prevent damage.
Orchard Maintenance
Employees maintain orchard health by performing winter tasks such as pruning branches, training young trees, and assisting with orchard structure maintenance. These activities support future crop production and ensure the orchard remains productive.
Ladder Work
Workers frequently climb ladders to reach fruit and branches located higher on trees. They maintain balance, follow safety practices, and perform harvesting and pruning tasks while working at heights.
General Orchard Tasks
Employees also assist with additional orchard duties. These duties may include sorting harvested fruit, maintaining orchard cleanliness, supporting irrigation activities, moving equipment, and helping supervisors with various seasonal farm tasks.
Job Requirements
Experience
Candidates with previous orchard or farming experience may have an advantage; however, the company does not require prior experience. The employer provides full training to motivated individuals who show willingness to learn and maintain a positive attitude.
Physical Fitness
Applicants must maintain a good level of physical fitness because the work involves lifting picking bags, climbing ladders, walking through orchards, and performing repetitive harvesting movements throughout the workday.
Teamwork and Communication
Employees work closely with colleagues from diverse cultural backgrounds. Workers communicate effectively, cooperate with team members, and contribute positively to a supportive team environment.
Flexibility
The harvest season may require employees to work extended hours when fruit reaches peak maturity. Workers remain flexible and ready to adjust schedules according to orchard requirements.
Weather Tolerance
Employees perform tasks outdoors in various weather conditions, including warm temperatures, wind, or occasional rain. Workers maintain productivity while working in these natural conditions.
Transport
Applicants arrange their own reliable transport to travel to and from the orchard location each day.
Work Schedule and Contract Period
The employer offers this job as a seasonal fixed-term contract beginning in early March 2026 and continuing until mid-September 2026.
Workers perform duties outdoors in an orchard environment. Work hours may vary depending on harvest demands and seasonal workloads. During busy harvesting periods, supervisors may schedule additional hours to ensure fruit is harvested at the correct time.
Who Can Apply
Applicants must hold the legal right to work in New Zealand. The employer accepts applications from:
- New Zealand citizens
- New Zealand permanent residents
- Individuals holding valid New Zealand work visas
- Working Holiday Visa holders
Candidates who do not have authorization to work in New Zealand should not apply.
About the Employer
FarmRight Ltd operates as one of New Zealand’s leading farm investment management and consultancy companies. The organization manages numerous agricultural operations across the country and maintains strong expertise in dairy farming, horticulture, and viticulture.
The company currently manages more than 60 farms across New Zealand. FarmRight employs over 300 permanent farming staff, and the workforce expands to more than 850 seasonal workers during peak horticulture seasons.
A professional corporate team of over 50 specialists supports the farming operations and focuses on innovation, sustainability, and efficient farm management.
Why Work for FarmRight
Employees who join FarmRight gain valuable experience and practical agricultural skills. Workers benefit from structured training and exposure to modern orchard management practices.
Team members also work in a supportive environment where collaboration and respect remain important values. Seasonal workers may gain opportunities for future employment within the agricultural industry.
Working in Appleby also offers the unique advantage of living and working near the scenic landscapes surrounding Abel Tasman National Park, one of New Zealand’s most beautiful natural destinations.
Application Process
Interested applicants may contact the employer directly to learn more about the role.
Contact Person: Sharona Gordon
Phone: 0272920402
Email: [email protected]
During the application process, candidates may answer several questions about their lifting ability, previous orchard experience, legal work status in New Zealand, access to personal transport, and willingness to complete pre-employment drug and alcohol screening.
Individuals who enjoy outdoor work and want to gain hands-on experience in orchard farming will find this opportunity both rewarding and valuable for building a career in agriculture.