Apple thinning jobs

Apple Thinning – Seasonal Orchard Work (November – December)

Join our team to help produce premium New Zealand apples. Apple thinning is a hands-on role where you will carefully remove misshapen or damaged fruit to ensure only the best remain on the tree. This process is vital for managing crop load and achieving the perfect fruit size and quality our customers expect.

You will work under the guidance of a Quality Supervisor, following instructions and adapting your work to meet orchard standards. The role involves both ground-level and height work, using ladders to reach all parts of the tree.

This position suits people who enjoy working outdoors, can follow detailed instructions, and take pride in doing a job well.

  • Attention to detail – able to identify and remove misshapen, damaged, or undersized fruit accurately.

  • Good hand-eye coordination – to work quickly while protecting the remaining fruit and branches.

  • Ability to follow instructions – listens to and applies guidance from the Quality Supervisor.

  • Consistent work quality – maintains thinning standards across multiple trees and blocks.

  • Physical fitness and stamina – able to work on foot for extended periods in various weather conditions.

  • Comfortable working at heights – safe and confident when using ladders.

  • Efficiency – balances speed with accuracy to achieve daily thinning targets.

  • Teamwork – works cooperatively with others in the orchard to achieve shared goals.

  • Adaptability – adjusts technique for different apple varieties, tree shapes, and crop loads.

  • Commitment to safety – uses all equipment safely and follows orchard safety procedures.

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By submitting this form I hereby declare that, to the best of my knowledge, the answers in this application are accurate. I understand that providing false information or omitting material facts may result in my application being rejected, or if employed, I may face dismissal. I acknowledge that I currently have no work-related injury or ACC claim that would hinder me from performing the tasks for which I would be required for this position. I understand that the personal information provided in this form is collected for the purposes of evaluating this application and, if employment is offered, it may be used utilised as needed for all employment-related matters with Wai-West Horticulture Ltd.

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Wai West

Locations

Our orchards span nine properties on the Waimea Plains, all within a short drive of no more than 12 minutes from Richmond.

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