Apple Pickers and General Orchard Hands – Appleby
FarmRight Ltd
Appleby, Tasman
Horticulture (Farming, Animals & Conservation)
Contract / Temporary (Fixed-Term)
Join Our Apple Harvest Team in Beautiful Nelson Tasman
FarmRight Ltd is seeking motivated, physically fit, and reliable individuals to join our apple harvesting and orchard operations team in Appleby, Nelson. Our orchards are ideally located near the stunning Abel Tasman National Park, offering an incredible opportunity to work in one of New Zealand’s most scenic regions.
This is a fixed-term seasonal position commencing approximately mid-February 2026 and continuing through to late May 2026, depending on harvest timing and fruit maturity.
About the Role
This is a hands-on, outdoor position that involves a variety of orchard tasks throughout the growing and harvest seasons. Duties may include:
- Harvesting apples efficiently while maintaining high quality standards
- Summer tree training and canopy management
- Winter pruning and structural tree training
- Fruit thinning and orchard maintenance
- General orchard support tasks as required
The role offers excellent exposure to modern horticultural practices and may provide a pathway to long-term opportunities within the horticulture sector for those looking to build a career in the industry.
What We Are Looking For
While previous orchard or horticulture experience is advantageous, it is not essential, as full training will be provided. We are primarily looking for individuals who demonstrate:
- A positive “can-do” attitude and strong work ethic
- Physical fitness and stamina (you will be climbing ladders and working on your feet for extended periods)
- Comfort working at heights and outdoors
- Willingness to work extended hours during peak harvest periods
- Ability to work collaboratively within a diverse, multicultural team
- Flexibility to work in varying weather conditions
- Reliable personal transport to and from the orchard
Applicants must have the legal right to work in New Zealand. We welcome applications from New Zealand citizens, permanent residents, and holders of valid work visas, including Working Holiday Visas.
Pre-employment drug and alcohol screening may be required.
Why Join FarmRight Ltd?
FarmRight Ltd is a trusted leader in farm investment management and consultancy across New Zealand. With a strong foundation in dairy farming and a rapidly expanding presence in horticulture and viticulture, we manage more than 60 farms nationwide.
Our workforce includes:
- Over 300 permanent farming staff year-round
- More than 850 staff during peak horticulture seasons
- A dedicated corporate support team of over 50 professionals
We pride ourselves on professionalism, innovation, sustainability, and creating supportive working environments for our teams.
Employer Application Questions
Your application will include the following questions:
- What is the maximum weight you are comfortable lifting?
- How many years’ experience do you have as an Orchard Hand?
- What is your current work eligibility status in New Zealand?
- Do you have regular access to a reliable vehicle?
- Are you willing to undergo pre-employment drug and alcohol screening?
How to Apply
For further details about these roles, please contact:
Sharona Gordon
Phone: 027 292 0402
Email: [email protected]
Important Notice
Please do not provide any bank account or credit card details when applying for jobs.
Ok lang poba kahit highschool graduate and sagot poba ninyo ang pag process ng papers.?
My country of origin is Papua New Guinea. I have been trying to find a fruit picking job either in Australia and New Zealand but couldn’t. Showing my interest for quite sometime but don’t know how to apply(visa sponsored especially). Will appreciate much if assist.