Kiwi Orchard Jobs - Join Kiwi Gold Orchards for the 2026 Season
We are seeking a motivated and enthusiastic Grading Supervisor to join our Production Team at KGO Kumeu on a fixed-term basis for the 2026 harvest, focusing on kiwifruit quality control!
Classification: Packhouse/Coolstore
Job type: Permanent
Location: Kumeu, 0892, New Zealand
Closing date: Saturday 20 June 2026
At our packhouse, borders disappear. You'll work alongside people from all corners of the globe, sharing laughs, stories, and creating friendships that transcend cultures.
Every day, we enjoy delicious (and free!) kai together, prepared on-site by our wonderful canteen team. We also celebrate employee milestones and achievements with weekly prizes, canteen giveaways, and KGO clothing.
About the Role
As a Grading Supervisor, you will provide leadership, guidance, and support to the grading team, ensuring smooth and efficient operations while maintaining high quality and safety standards essential for effective orchard management. You will also work between Quality and Production to effectively manage the grade of fruit.
This position is based on the day shift in our Kumeu shed, operating from 7:00 am to 6:00 pm, including weekend work as required, making it ideal for those looking for seasonal work.
About You
To be successful in this role, you will have:
- Strong leadership, communication, and organisational skills.
- Excellent attention to detail and time management.
- A proactive attitude and strong work ethic.
- A commitment to maintaining a safe working environment.
- Ability to adapt to a fast-paced environment.
Physical Requirements
Safety is our top priority at KGO. Our packhouse is a busy environment with high activity levels, including machinery and vehicle movement and loud noise.
This role requires:
- Standing for extended periods (up to 10 hours per shift).
- Repetitive hand and wrist movements.
- Assisting with grading tasks when operationally required.
Packhouse Jobs - 2026 Kiwifruit Season
Join us at KGO for the 2026 kiwifruit season and work with some of the nicest people around!
Classification: Packhouse/Coolstore
Job type: Permanent
Location: Kumeu, 0892, New Zealand
Closing date: Saturday 15 June 2026
At our packhouse, borders disappear. You'll work alongside people from all corners of the globe, sharing laughs, stories, and creating friendships that transcend cultures.
Every day, we enjoy delicious (and free!) kai together, prepared on-site by our wonderful canteen team. We also celebrate employee milestones and achievements with weekly prizes, canteen giveaways, and KGO clothing.
With four shifts to choose from and a wide variety of positions available, we have the right combination for you. Work is available from early March to mid-June, with hourly rates starting at $25.50 per hour. If you need flexibility with work hours, please contact our Recruitment team to discuss your options.
To be considered for a role, applicants must be 16 years or older and provide proof of identification, New Zealand work rights, an IRD number, and an active New Zealand bank account. Make sure to have these documents ready before starting your application.
Shift Times:
DAY - 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM
DAY - 7:30 AM to 6:30 PM
NIGHT - 7:00 PM to 6:00 AM
NIGHT - 7:30 PM to 6:30 AM
YOU CHOOSE! - We have heaps of jobs to suit your interest!
The safety of our team is our top priority. We operate in a busy industrial environment filled with many people, noisy machines, and numerous vehicles moving throughout the site. We carefully evaluate each application to ensure that every person is suited for the right job. Please review the requirements of each role thoroughly before choosing your preferred position in the application process.
Physical Requirements:
Working in a packhouse typically involves being on your feet for up to 10 hours a day. Many roles require repetitive physical motions as well. Our Graders and Packers handle fruit, while our Tray Preps line boxes to send down the packing line. All of these positions—Graders, Packers, and Tray Prep—demand repeated hand and wrist movements throughout the shift.
Among the various roles, Stackers have the most physically demanding job in the packhouse. By the end of the season, you'll definitely be fit! Stackers are responsible for moving fully packed boxes of kiwifruit onto pallets, which often involves lifting up to 20 kg repeatedly throughout the shift.
Fruit Grader: Manually sorts fruit based on physical characteristics such as size, color, and shape. This role requires the ability to visually inspect fruit with or without the aid of glasses.
Packer: Packs fruit into various sized boxes.
Stacker: Moves packed kiwifruit boxes from the packing line onto pallets.
Tray Prep: Prepares kiwifruit packaging for the packing line.
Forklift and Trolley Operators: Requires a current Forklift License and OSH certificate. Previous experience is preferred!
EAN/EDI Operator - data entry and product documentation. You'll be moving from computer to packing line for most of the shift. Strong administration and data accuracy required.
If you're looking for a welcoming, supportive, and vibrant workplace where hard work is a pleasure among friends and family, then this is the place for you. Join us at KGO and play a part in the kiwifruit quality control process while enjoying a seasonal work environment that feels like home!
Open Jobs
Assistant Quality Manager
We’re on the lookout for an experienced and motivated Assistant Quality Manager to join our team at Kiwi Gold Orchards, where we focus on kiwifruit quality control.
Classification: Packhouse/Coolstore
Job type: Permanent
Location: Kumeu, 0892, New Zealand
Closing date: Saturday 30 May 2026
In this hands-on leadership role, you will support quality operations across our site, which is conveniently located just outside Kumeu.
If you thrive in a fast-paced environment and enjoy leading teams to achieve high-quality outcomes in orchard management, this could be the perfect opportunity for you.
What you’ll be doing:
- Ensuring quality systems and processes are being adhered to.
- Leading Quality Controllers to ensure all sampling and monitoring meets industry standards (Zespri, MPI, Nutrikiwi, KGO).
- Supporting day-to-day quality operations across packing and repack seasons.
- Ensuring compliance with food safety, BRCGS, and health & safety requirements.
- Communicating quality results with production teams to maximize performance.
- Assisting with internal and external audits.
- Training and supporting Quality Control team members.
- Championing a culture of quality, food safety, and continuous improvement.
This role may require you to cover our night shift during our peak season (approximately March – June), as our business operates both day and night shifts for seasonal work.
What we’re looking for:
- Experience in a quality role (kiwifruit or a similar industry preferred).
- Proven ability to lead or supervise a team.
- Strong organization, time management, attention to detail, and problem-solving skills.
- Confident communicator across all levels.
- Solid computer and data entry skills.
- Ability to adapt in a seasonal, fast-paced environment.
- Positive mindset and culture-driven.
It would be a bonus if you have the following, but for the right candidate, training can be provided:
- Kiwifruit industry leadership experience.
- Zespri CCP qualifications (Level 2–5).
- Auditing or compliance experience.
- Experience and/or qualifications in other quality and compliance programmes (e.g., MPI/Class 2 programmes).
Why join KGO:
- Southern Cross Health Insurance provided.
- Free kai for lunch every day during our peak packing season.
- Supportive team environment.
- Opportunity to grow your skills and career.
Quality Controller Lead
We’re looking for an enthusiastic and motivated Quality Controller Lead to join our Quality team at KGO in Kumeu on a permanent basis. This position is essential for maintaining high standards in kiwifruit quality control within our packhouse operations.
Classification: Packhouse/Coolstore
Job type: Permanent
Location: Kumeu, 0892, New Zealand
Closing date: Saturday 30 May 2026
In this hands-on role, you’ll work closely with the Site Quality Manager and Assistant Quality Manager to uphold quality standards across the site. This role also presents a fantastic development opportunity, with the potential to advance your career into an Assistant Quality Manager position, especially within the context of orchard management.
What you’ll be doing:
- Support Quality Controllers (QCs) with daily sampling and checks
- Ensure fruit and systems meet required standards (ZIL, MPI, Nutrikiwi, KGO)
- Share quality results with grading, packing, and production teams
- Help improve packout results and reduce rejects
- Keep quality records accurate and up to date
- Support audits (including Zespri container audits) and complete corrective actions
- Step in to help on the floor (including repack) when needed
- Support training of staff across packing and quality teams
- Help get the packhouse ready for external audits (e.g. QA or BRCGS auditors)
This role may require covering our night shift during our peak season (approximately March – June), as our business operates both a day shift and a night shift, making it ideal for those seeking seasonal work.
What we’re looking for:
- Experience in a quality role
- Leadership or team support experience
- Good organisation and time management
- Strong attention to detail
- Confident communication skills
- Good computer and data entry skills
- Willingness to be hands-on and help where needed
- Ability to work in a fast-paced, seasonal environment
- Positive mindset and culture-driven attitude
It would be a bonus if you have the following, but for the right candidate, training can be provided:
- Kiwifruit QC leadership experience
- Zespri CCP qualifications (Levels 2–5)
- Audit or compliance experience
- Experience/qualifications in other quality and compliance programmes (e.g. MPI or Class 2 programmes)
Why join us?
- Southern Cross Health Insurance and other benefits provided
- Free kai for lunch every day during our peak packing season
- Supportive team environment
- Opportunity to grow your skills and career
Quality Controller – Permanent Role
Join us at KGO for the 2026 kiwifruit season and work with some of the nicest people around!
Classification: Packhouse/Coolstore
Job type: Permanent
Location: Kumeu, 0892, New Zealand
Closing date: Saturday 12 June 2026
We’re looking for a reliable and detail-focused Quality Controller to join our team at KGO Kumeu in a permanent, year-round role. This role is based at our packhouse, just outside of Kumeu.
This is a hands-on position where you’ll be responsible for overseeing kiwifruit quality control by checking fruit quality and ensuring packing meets required standards.
What you’ll be doing:
- Carry out fruit sampling and quality checks.
- Ensure fruit meets required standards (ZIL, MPI, Nutrikiwi, KGO).
- Complete CCP checks and verifications.
- Record results clearly and accurately.
- Share quality results with grading, packing, and production teams.
- Collaborate with the Quality team to achieve the best quality outcomes.
- Follow food safety (BRCGS) and Health & Safety requirements.
This role may require covering our night shift during our peak season (approx. March – June) as our business operates both a day shift and a night shift.
Please note that flexibility is important as you may assist with other tasks when required, especially during our non-peak season.
What we’re looking for:
- Strong attention to detail
- Reliable and able to follow processes
- Good communication skills
- Basic to good computer skills
- Able to work well in a team and in a fast-paced environment
It would be a bonus if you have the following, but for the right candidate, training can be provided:
- Experience in kiwifruit or a similar industry
- Previous Quality Control experience
- Zespri CCP qualifications (Levels 2–5)
- Experience/qualifications in other quality and compliance programs (e.g., MPI or Class 2 program)
- Understanding of food safety and compliance systems
If you're interested in seasonal work in orchard management, we encourage you to apply!
Kiwifruit Flower Picking Great $$$$
Looking for 25 fit, fast individuals who are eager to earn excellent money by picking male kiwifruit flowers starting late October to early November. Join our Production Team at KGO Kumeu on a fixed-term basis for the 2026 harvest, where your efforts will contribute to kiwifruit quality control and orchard management during this seasonal work opportunity!
Classification: Packhouse/Coolstore
Job type: Permanent
Location: Kumeu, 0892, New Zealand
Closing date: Saturday, 20 June 2026
We are hiring fit, fast, self-motivated people who are keen to work hard and get rewarded for it. The job is piece rate, which means you can earn exceptional $$$ if you are motivated and determined. In previous seasons, our very best pickers have averaged $60 per hour gross across 4 weeks of work during the flower picking season.
This has been the first season for many pickers. Most will earn between $30-45 per hour gross if they work consistently with determination. The job is not heavy like kiwifruit picking, but stamina and fast hands are required. If you are experienced in picking cherries or kiwifruit quickly, you will excel at flower picking.
We will start at Edgecumbe (near Whakatane) for 2.5 weeks and then move to Oropi Tauranga for 1.5 weeks.
Because we work in 2 locations, it would suit those who sleep in vans or cars. There are 2 camps nearby (1 DOC camp) which offer great rates for campers, as well as self-contained camps in the area. This opportunity is suitable for couples, singles, and groups of friends.
We can work in light rain/showers (unlike other kiwifruit jobs), but not in consistent rain. Rainy days are our days off.
No experience is needed; we will train you to maximize your earnings. What is required is a good work ethic and a desire to work hard to earn excellent money before Christmas.
Kiwi Gold Orchards
Kumeū, New Zealand
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