Seasonal Orchard Work - Thinning 2026

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.