Orchard Assistant Job Nelson (Permanent)

Orchard Assistant Job (Permanent)

Wai-West Horticulture is a leading, family-owned horticultural business based on the Waimea Plains near Nelson. We specialise in growing premium apples, kiwifruit, feijoas, and boysenberries across 250 hectares of flat, easily accessible orchard land, just 10 minutes from Richmond. Our team includes 38 permanent staff, supported by seasonal workers from New Zealand and our valued RSE employees from Tonga, Vanuatu and the Solomon Islands.

We are excited to offer an opportunity to join our apple orchard team as an Orchard Assistant. This is a hands-on role where no two days are the same, and you will be part of a team dedicated to producing world-class fruit.

What you’ll be doing

The role begins with winter pruning and tree training, then progresses to thinning and harvesting as the season develops. You’ll gain valuable experience across the full orchard cycle and contribute directly to the success of our crops.

Who we’re looking for

You may already have horticultural experience – if so, fantastic, we’d love to hear from you.
If you’re new to horticulture but eager to learn and build a career in orcharding, that’s great too – we provide full training.

Qualities we value

Physically fit and enjoy working outdoors
Reliable, self-motivated, and positive attitude
Able to work well both in a team and independently
Strong communication skills
Commitment to health and safety standards
Willingness to give any task a go with the right training

What we offer

Supportive and friendly team environment
Opportunities to build a career in horticulture, with training provided
The chance to study towards a New Zealand Certificate or Diploma in Horticulture Production (Levels 2–5) through the NZ Apprenticeship scheme, fully supported by Wai-West.

Important to know

Wai-West Horticulture operates a drug-free workplace. All new employees must complete a pre-employment drug test.

If you’re motivated, enjoy working outdoors, and want to be part of a team producing some of New Zealand’s best fruit, we would love to hear from you.

Apply

First name: *

Surname: *

Address: *

Phone number: *

Date of birth: *

Gender: *

Email: *

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Date available to start work: *

Do you have reliable transport? *

Nationality: *

Have you worked for Wai-West Horticulture Ltd before? *

When were you employed? *

What were you employed to do? *

Are you registered with Work and Income (WINZ)? *

Work and Income (WINZ) client number: *

Cover letter: (if available)

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Resume: (if available)

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Evidence of your identity and entitlement to work in New Zealand: *

New Zealand driver's licence number: *

New Zealand birth certificate number: *

Passport nationality: *

Passport number: *

Are you a citizen or resident of NZ? *

Visa type: *

Visa number: *

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Have you had an Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC) claim for any injury: *

What for? *

Have you had or do you suffer from an injury, strain, or pain of the finger/wrist? *

Have you had or do you suffer from an injury, strain, or pain of the neck/shoulder or back? *

Have you had or do you suffer from an injury to limbs? *

Have you had or do you suffer from a hernia? *

Have you had or do you suffer from skin rashes, dermatitis or eczema? *

Have you had or do you suffer from asthma or bronchitis? *

Have you had or do you suffer from epilepsy or blackouts? *

Have you had diarrhea in the last month? *

Do you suffer from deafness? *

Have you ever contracted HIV (human immunodeficiency virus)? *

Have you ever contracted TB (Tuberculosis)? *

Have you ever contracted Hepatitis C? *

Have you had or do you suffer from high blood pressure? *

Have you had or do you suffer from a heart complaint? *

Do you suffer from colour blindness? *

Do you suffer from diabetes? *

Have you had any recent illness or accident? *

What recent illness or accident have you had? *

Do you suffer from any allergies? *

Please list your allergies: *

Do you suffer from any other ailments? *

Please list any other ailments? *

Do you take any medications? *

Please list your medications: *

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Emergency contact details:

Name: *

Relationship to you: *

Phone number: *

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Have you ever been convicted of a criminal offence? *

Please give details of your criminal record: *

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Do you have any relevant training or experience?

Supervising *

Tractor *

First aid *

Chainsaw *

Forklift *

Growsafe *

Heavy vehicle *

Other *

Please list your other training or experience: *

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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.

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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Wai West

Locations

related jobs

Apple Pruning Jobs (June – August)

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Proudly growing fresh fruit since 1983.

Sign up for our next seasonal work opportunity.

Office