The little green and gold book - A guide to finding seasonal work in the New Zealand kiwifruit industry - NZKGI
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The little green and gold book A guide to finding seasonal work in the New Zealand kiwifruit industry 2020
Contents
About the NZ kiwifruit industry 03
Working in the NZ kiwifruit industry 05
The kiwifruit world – attractions 07
Worker welfare 09
Important considerations 12
In their own words 13
2
NORTHLAND
The New Zealand Where the AUCKLAND
kiwifruit industry industry is located
Industry snapshot BAY OF PLENTY
The kiwifruit industry is one of
New Zealand’s horticultural success WAIKATO
stories, accounting for over $2.6
billion in export earnings in 2018/19 –
the largest horticultural earner
and rivalling other key primary
produce exports.
The industry comprises over LOWER NORTH ISLAND
2,800 growers across 3,200 orchards
covering nearly 13,000 hectares,
which produced close to 150 million
trays of fruit in 2018/19. TASMAN POVERTY BAY
The industry is serviced by over 450 DISTRICT
labour contractors and at the height
of the season, employs in excess of
18,000 seasonal workers.
More than 40 packhouses process and HAWKE’S BAY
pack the fruit which is distributed to
markets in more than 50 countries.
By 2027, the New Zealand kiwifruit
industry is expected to reach $4 billion
revenue from a projected 190 million PICK, PACK
trays. AND PLAY
THE KIWIFRUIT WAY…
Find kiwifruit work in a
region that suits you!
Use our Kiwifruit Jobs New Zealand
Facebook page to connect with
approved employers and start work
in an exciting industry.
3
Who’s who Work calendar New Zealand Kiwifruit Growers Inc. Orchard/packhouse pressure timeline New Zealand Kiwifruit Growers Inc. Activity by month is the industry body which supports Growers and advocates on their behalf within the industry and with the Government. For more on NZKGI go to www.nzkgi.org.nz Zespri Zespri is the kiwifruit industry’s marketing organisation responsible for marketing and distribution of kiwifruit in overseas markets. For more on Zespri go to www.zespri.com Contractors The kiwifruit industry is serviced by over 450 contractors who supply labour for the orchards. All contractors must be approved and are listed at industry.zespri.com under Contractors and GAP & Grasp Contractor List. A list of orchard employers looking for workers can be found at Picking nzkgi.org.nz. Go to What We Do, Winter pruning choose Labour & Education click Summer pruning the find a Kiwifruit Job Now! tab Thinning and Orchard Employers/Contractor Packing Contacts. Re-packing Packhouses The industry is well-serviced by packhouses; a list can be found at nzkgi.org.nz. Go to What We Do, choose Labour & Education click the Find a Kiwifruit Job Now! tab and Packhouse Employer Contacts. 4
Working in the kiwifruit industry
Orchard work Peak work periods
There are four main times during the Harvest is the peak period for work in
year when workers are required for the industry. Pickers are required from
orchard work: late March to mid-July, and during that
time a large workforce is required to
• Picking (late March – mid-July)
harvest the huge volume of fruit on
• Winter pruning (June – October) the vines when it is ready.
• Thinning (October – April) Picking is done by hand as the vines
are set at a manageable height; no
• Summer pruning
ladders are generally required. Picking
(October – February).
is labour-intensive; the picking bag can
weigh up to 20kg. Orchard work can be
interrupted by rain.
Winter pruning follows harvest and
takes place from June through to
October.
Orchard work continues at a high level
from October through summer, with
summer pruning and other orchard
maintenance tasks.
5
Working in the kiwifruit industry
(CONTINUED)
Packing and cool-storage Career opportunities Pay rates
Once harvested, the kiwifruit crop The kiwifruit industry is a year-round Pay rates vary depending on the
must be processed and packed at one business. Orchards require a fair employer and the nature of the
of the industry’s many packhouses. amount of maintenance outside the seasonal role.
Roles within the packhouses include: harvesting and packing period to
In the 2019 season, harvesting roles
prepare the vines for the next season
• sorting and grading paid an average of $22.72 per hour.
and the requirement for orchard
Rates, however, do vary, from $17.70
• packing the fruit into trays workers is high at those times as well.
to $30.50. These rates can be affected
• forklift operation It is possible to undertake seasonal depending on whether you are paid
work in the industry for up to 46-48 hourly or on a piece rate, i.e. a rate
• machinery operation. weeks a year, but there are a number based on how much crop you pick.
Packhouse roles involve working shifts of peak employment periods such as
Orchard maintenance roles such as
of 8-12 hours and there are roles to harvesting (March to July), winter
summer pruning or thinning paid
suit a variety of people. Much of the pruning (June to October) and summer
$17.70 to $20.50 per hour (in 2019).
work involves standing while working. orchard maintenance (October-
Winter-pruning roles pay higher rates
February).
The minimum age to work in the once a worker has been trained and
industry is 16. There are also opportunities to has experience.
take up a full-time, permanent
Unskilled packhouse roles such as
role in the industry in horticultural
packing start from minimum wage plus
and management roles. For more
holiday pay; more skilled roles in the
information on careers in the kiwifruit
packhouse for trained and experienced
industry, go to nzkgi.org.nz visit the
workers can pay up to $38 per hour.
What We Do tab, choose Labour &
Workers who demonstrate commitment
Education and then cultivate your
and aptitude have the opportunity to
career.
take on more skilled roles.
All workers must receive the minimum
wage (from 1 April 2020 the expected
minimum wage will be $18.90) +8%
holiday pay.
6
The kiwifruit world - attractions
Kiwifruit is grown in several areas enjoy. The eastern regions of BOP
of New Zealand, where an excellent and Gisborne are famous for their
climate and rich soils produce bumper high sunshine hours and world-class
harvests. beaches. Hawke’s Bay offers cycle
trails, beaches and vineyards.
As well as providing excellent
conditions for growing kiwifruit and Further south, Nelson and Motueka
other crops, the kiwifruit growing have some of the highest sunshine
regions offer great scenery and host a hours in New Zealand as well as
wide range of outdoor activities. stunning national parks and water-
sports.
No matter where you go – from
Kerikeri in the far north to Nelson at
Northland
the top of the South Island – there are
plenty of things to do and see. Often-called the “winterless north”
of NZ, Northland boasts an excellent
New Zealand offers a wide range of
climate and two coastlines that offer
outdoor activities for thrill-seekers
a wide range of recreational activities
wanting to push themselves to others
from surfing to diving at the likes of
who just want to relax with a swim
the spectacular Poor Knights Islands
after working in the kiwifruit orchard
and boating in beautiful Bay of Islands.
all day.
New Zealand’s early history is on
Kiwifruit is grown in eight regions: show at Waitangi, while the trip up 90
in the Northland areas of Whangarei Mile Beach on the west coast to the
and Kerikeri; just south of Auckland country’s northernmost promontory
near Pukekohe; around Cambridge Cape Reinga is well worth taking.
in the central Waikato region; on
Auckland
the East Cape near Gisborne; in the
orchard-intensive regions of the Bay of The sprawling metropolis of Auckland
Plenty (BOP) and Hawke’s Bay; around which lies between two large harbours
Whanganui; and as far south as Nelson – the Waitemata and the Manukau –
and Motueka at the top of the South offers a host of big city attractions
Island. with world-class restaurants and
entertainment. But visitors can also
Northland enjoys among the warmest
take in the delights of the islands
weather in New Zealand, with
in the harbour from the majestic
attractions close on both coastlines
Rangitoto Island to its near neighbour
along with harbours and forests to
Waiheke and further out the wildlife
7
The kiwifruit Lower North Island to notable attractions like the East
Cape – another kiwi hidden treasure
Kiwifruit growing has also taken strong
world - attractions root in the lower North Island around
with endless bays to explore. It’s
also a short hop to the magnificent
Whanganui, which lies a relatively short
(CONTINUED) trip from the Taranaki Region and the
attractions of Lake Waikaremoana and
Cape Kidnappers and the neighbouring
capital city Wellington. Natural inland
reserve at Little Barrier Island and and coastal scenery abounds throughout bay, Hawke’s Bay to the south.
the bounteous attractions of Great the region, from mountain walks and Hawke’s Bay
Barrier Island. Auckland’s kiwifruit vineyards to uncrowded beaches on
industry is located to the south of the both coasts, rivers and lakes. Hawke’s Bay is a very popular
city around Pukekohe, which is close destination notable for its wineries
to attractions on both coasts including Bay of Plenty and scenery. As elsewhere throughout
the Hauraki Gulf on the east coast and New Zealand largest kiwifruit New Zealand, there’s plenty in the
surf beaches on the west – and is not growing region, with around 80% of region to offer tourists, from the urban
far from the tourism gem that is the the planted vines, the Bay of Plenty attractions of Napier city – a showcase
Coromandel Peninsula. regularly attracts huge numbers of of 1930s Art Deco architecture – to the
visitors to the scenic beauty of the offshore fishing and diving in the Bay.
Waikato
tourist triangle formed by Tauranga, Tasman District
The Waikato is one of New Zealand’s Rotorua and Whakatane. Tauranga
richest agricultural regions, with and Whakatane offer the delights of Located at the top of the South Island,
kiwifruit featuring around Cambridge sandy beaches, fishing, diving and the Tasman District encompasses
and Matamata, not far from the surfing, while Rotorua a short distance the cities of Nelson and Blenheim,
regional centre at Hamilton. The inland is a gateway to the geothermal which regularly top the most-sunshine
region is notable for its rural scenery, wonders of the North Island’s volcanic records for NZ, along with the scenic
walks and cycle tracks and the world- plateau as well as a showcase for attractions of the Marlborough Sounds
renowned attractions of Hobbiton near Maori culture. Within the region there and Farewell Spit. There’s plenty
Matamata, along with coastal scenery is much to do, with - as elsewhere in for the visitor to do in the Tasman
and world class surf beaches such as NZ – many nature walks and sports area – walking, cycling, water sports
Raglan on the west coast. activities like golf, under a climate including kayaking and just taking in
that’s hard to better. the breath-taking scenery.
Poverty Bay Key attractions – further information
and to follow up
Poverty Bay centres on the tourist
jewel that is Gisborne and offers For information on the other kiwifruit
visitors a great climate with plenty growing locations – search out some
of activity including surfing and great places to see and things to do at:
diving, walking, cycling or sightseeing www.newzealand.com/int/
8
Worker welfare
IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR SEASONAL WORKERS
Employee • the wage or salary payable
A prospective employee will need • a plain explanation of how to help
the following before approaching an resolve employment relationship
employer for work: problems, including advice that
personal grievances must be raised
• a valid work visa for New Zealand or
within 90 days
evidence of residency
• a statement that the employee will
• a copy of their passport (non-NZ
get (at least) time-and-a-half for
residents) or other identification
working on a public holiday
• an IRD (tax) number (go to
• any other matters agreed on, such as
ird.govt.nz choose the Individuals
trials or probationary agreements
and Families tab, IRD numbers and
then click Apply for a personal IRD) • the nature of the employment –
whether it is fixed-term, seasonal or
• a New Zealand bank account.
permanent.
The employer The employee must be encouraged and
able to seek advice on the contents of
Employers must provide every
the agreement before signing.
employee with an employment
agreement including: Employees should make sure
they receive a copy of the signed
• the names of the employer and
employment agreement for their
employee
records. They will need it in the event
• a description of the work to be of any dispute.
performed
• an indication of the place of work
• the hours of work or an indication
of the hours of work (the agreement
must set the maximum number of
ordinary weekly hours)
9
Worker welfare (CONTINUED)
Minimum wage entitlement Payslips
From 1 April 2020, the expected Payslips verify that employees
minimum wage in NZ will be $18.90 and employers have the same
per hour, before tax. This rate applies understanding of how the employee’s
to all employees aged 16 or over, pay is made up. Employees are
who are either full-time, part-time, entitled to request wage and time
fixed-term and/or seasonal, working records from their employer showing
from home and paid by wages, salary, the pay rate, hours worked, any
commission or piece-rates. deductions and how the employee was
paid. Employees should make sure
Work breaks they sign their timesheets indicating
agreement on the hours worked.
Employees are entitled to unpaid meal
breaks (30 minutes) and paid rest
Tax
breaks (normally 10-15 minutes) that
are appropriate given the length of Income earned in New Zealand will
the working day or shift, and that give have tax deducted through the Pay As
employees a reasonable opportunity to You Earn (PAYE) system, as well as an
rest, to eat and drink and to deal with Accident Compensation Commission
personal matters. (ACC) levy which goes towards New
Zealand’s insurance scheme for
Health & Safety covering any costs involved when an
employee is injured.
While the level of workplace hazards is
very low in most kiwifruit operations, Your employer is not allowed to make
health & safety is still given a high any other deductions from your pay
priority, particularly in the packhouses without your signed permission.
where machinery is involved.
All employees must be advised of
health & safety risks and protected
from them through training and
provision of personal protective
equipment (PPE) where required.
10Worker welfare (CONTINUED)
Assistance
In the event of a dispute in the • Crimestoppers is for issues relating
workplace, employees can contact the to immigration fraud or worker
following agencies for help: exploitation; tel. 0800 555 111
• Employment New Zealand • Citizens Advice Bureau can be
will provide free employment contacted for a range of advice on
information but not assistance issues affecting workers;
in interpreting employment www.cab.org.nz
agreements, legal matters or
• New Zealand Kiwifruit Growers Inc.;
personal grievances; tel. 0800 209
nzkgi.org.nz or 0800 232 505
020; www.employment.govt.nz
The kiwifruit industry is working to
• Labour inspectors are able to assist
ensure that all workers are treated
in investigating breaches of laws
well by their employers. If you have
relating to minimum employment
any feedback on your experience in
conditions (e.g. holidays owed and
the kiwifruit industry or issues with
pay); tel. 0800 209 020 (employment
your employer, please contact NZKGI
complaints) or 0800 030 040 (health
(0800 232 505). We will use this
and safety complaints).
information to help improve working
Visit employment.govt.nz and go to
conditions throughout the industry.
the resolving problems tab.
• The Employment Relations Authority
is an independent organisation
that helps resolve employment
relationship issues; tel. 09 970 1550;
www.era.govt.nz
11Choosing an Important considerations
employer Where to stay People planning to travel for seasonal
work are advised to organise their
Seasonal workers taking up kiwifruit
Checklist accommodation well in advance as
industry jobs will likely require local
many accommodation providers get
When choosing an employer in accommodation which is provided in a
booked out quickly.
the kiwifruit industry, workers are number of ways:
encouraged to query the following: Some accommodation is also available
• backpacker hostels
at the orchard and packhouse sites for
• confirmation that the employer is an • rented accommodation a very reasonable nightly fee.
approved contractor*
• accommodation attached to A guide to low-cost accommodation
• what the pay rate is and whether it packhouse and orcharding operations options in kiwifruit locations can be
is a fixed hourly rate or a piece-rate
found at nzkgi.org.nz under Labour
• holiday parks.
• if it is a piece-rate, ask for that to & Education in the Find a Kiwifruit
be explained as an average hourly Freedom camping is an acceptable Job Now! tab and Backpacker
rate option but there are restrictions on Accommodation list.
how long freedom campers can stay at
• how often you will be paid and one place and expectations from the Getting around
whether you will receive a payslip community that freedom campers act
automatically Depending on where the work is
responsibly in terms of their rubbish
located, seasonal workers may also
• if the pay rate includes or excludes disposal and general behaviour.
require some form of transport while
8% holiday pay and how that is paid, For more information on freedom working in the industry.
i.e. as part of the regular payslip or camping in New Zealand, go to
at the conclusion of the work period Most will have their own vehicles, but
www.govt.nz and visit the recreation
many employers provide transport
• what systems are used for notifying and the environment tab, then choose
to get groups of their workers to the
work requirements and how much Freedom Camping.
orchards or packhouses.
notice is provided if work is not
available
• if workers are paid for travelling
between orchards
• whether transport and/or
accommodation is provided.
* A list of approved contractors can be
found at https://industry.zespri.com/
contractors/gap-grasp-contractor-list
12In their own words
TESTIMONIALS
New Zealand has beautiful nature We are a group of German backpackers I work at Apata Packhouse in Katikati,
and nice people. Te Puke is very nice. working in the orchards around Te preparing documentation for kiwifruit
It’s close to the beach at Papamoa and Puke and I can definitely recommend and avocado packs, mostly our
you can also go for hikes after work in coming to work here. organically grown fruit.
the bush.
It’s really idyllic. Really quiet and I enjoy the challenge of understanding
The work is not too hard and it’s pretty close to the beach. and processing the export packing
fun. You can do a lot of different jobs requirements and protocols for the
You can enjoy the time where you will
– like bud-thinning, flower picking and fruit.
learn a lot about kiwifruit and how to
trimming branches. It’s a nice change
handle them. Interaction with the packhouse
after living in the Czech Republic.
floor staff, especially the young
It was a good decision to come here.
It’s really refreshing to listen to music international backpackers, brings a
and podcasts while I work. With these Liza Hiller – Germany / 29 vibrancy to each day. You hear many
jobs you can work for a while and then different languages and see the young
take some travel around New Zealand. ones expand their English skills and
It’s very nice in New Zealand; a very enjoyment of our beautiful country.
Working in the kiwifruit industry green landscape where you can enjoy Each year there are new friendships
is a really nice experience and it’s the fresh air and the sounds of the made, some of which will be life-long.
definitely worth it. birds.
There is a small window of time for
Radim Kubik - Czech Republic / 32 It’s a nice contrast to working in the the harvest and pack-out of fruit
office. We’re with a group of Czechs and we must operate in a timely and
and Germans and we enjoy working efficient way. It is rewarding knowing
together during the day and spending that in some way I have contributed
time in the evening, cooking a meal or to adding value to this vast export
going to the cinema. No stress. market.
It’s a very good job for working and Delwyn Ogilvy / 62
travelling. Very cool. I can recommend
this work.
Max Waage – Germany / 24
13In their own words
(CONTINUED)
TESTIMONIALS
I work for Apata Group where I started I have been a student at Waikato
in the industry as a packer, moved to University working at Apata over the
grading, then worked on analysis of summer under a Callaghan Innovation
rejected fruit and as a “Kiwigreen” scholarship.
lady, which involved pest-monitoring
I am interested in the use of beneficial
and foliage sample collection in the
predators and additional cover-
orchards for testing. I am working
crop planting as pest protection
towards my qualifications in Quality
alternatives to spraying. That involves
Control.
surveying growers about their organic
I enjoy the different roles I have been and conventional pest management
able to explore within the industry. techniques. My main focus is on
I like being able to meet new people organic pest control, which is
from all over the world that I get to personally very rewarding as working
work with during our busy season and sustainably for a cleaner future is
build some awesome relationships. something I’m keenly interested in.
I like the free food too!
It’s a great work environment, and this
Working in the kiwifruit sector is has been a great experience - very
rewarding because you learn so practical and mentally demanding.
much about the ins and outs of how Everyone I’ve met from my co-workers
the industry works and our export to the growers has been lovely and
and import system. And it also pays I’ve had a great time. I’ve enjoyed
my bills! being hands-on and out in the
orchards; it’s very balanced work –
Preet Kaur /20
you’re not at a desk all the time.
I think other students would love it.
Briee Lee-Mouque / 21
14You can also read
