What is the job market like in NZ for travellers seeking seasonal work?
There is always seasonal work available in the horticultural, hospitality and construction sectors, though you need to do some research to find the right regions and industries for the particular time of year.
What are the key industries hiring currently?
The kiwifruit and citrus seasons can last till around mid winter and some workers are required year round. There is a whole range of work in kiwifruit packhouses, including grading supervisors, quality controllers, graders, packers, strappers, tray preparers, stackers, forklift drivers and tally clerks. Most of the work in these two industries is in the Bay of Plenty and Northland regions. There is also some work in the Ski industry – especially in the hospitality sector as well as on the slopes. Viticulture requires more people including people to hand harvest. Planting and pruning are on-going tasks.
What are the general rates of pay?
Good packhouse staff can earn around $120 per day before tax. Pickers are usually paid on a contract basis. The hospitality sector pay starts at approximately $12 per hour dependent upon experience. Construction rates vary.
What documents will I need before I can start work in NZ?
You need a work permit, Inland Revenue Department (tax) number and tax codes. You can apply for these online before you arrive if you come from countries with reciprocal agreements. Visit: www.immigration.govt.nz/migrant/stream/work/workingholiday andwww.ird.govt.nz/how-to/irdnumbers
Do I need any qualifications?
Most of the seasonalwork.co.nz jobs just require a positive attitude.
Where is the work located?
The horticultural work is located in orchards and farms right across NZ. The country is compact enough to ensure that there is usually a main town close by. The hospitably work is in cities including Auckland, Wellington and also
the main tourism areas of Rotorua and Queenstown.
Are there short term as well as longer term positions available?
Most employers appreciate staff who stay a few weeks at least, but during the fruit-picking season, even one week can be helpful. Being seasonal, once the demand passes the work often ends, but there is always someone further along the road needing workers.
Is there any chance of a temp position turning into a sponsored type position?
If you have specialist skills e.g. chef, or trained horticulturist and want to stay, then this is highly likely. NZ Immigration has a list of skills that are in demand, and if you fit one of those categories, there is certainly potential for an employer to seek long-term work permits or even residency based on your skills.
Is a CV important and what tips can you offer?
An email application is usually all that is required, however, a CV will help to make a great impression. Evidence of customer service skills certainly help in the hospitality sector, but for most fruit picking jobs all you need is one
good arm!
What advice would you offer travellers when they first make contact with employers?
Advise your arrival date and give a brief description of our skills and experience. Also, have your work permit and tax details organised prior to arrival. Open a bank account for direct crediting of pay. And make sure you have time to enjoy all the beautiful places and great tourist activities that NZ has to offer.
Thanks to Janine Arnerich, Manager at www.seasonalwork.co.nz.
July 31st, 2007
What is the job market like in NZ for travellers seeking seasonal work?
There is always seasonal work available in the horticultural, hospitality and construction sectors, though you need to do some research to find the right regions and industries for the particular time of year.
What are the key industries hiring currently?
The kiwifruit and citrus seasons can last till around mid winter and some workers are required year round. There is a whole range of work in kiwifruit packhouses, including grading supervisors, quality controllers, graders, packers, strappers, tray preparers, stackers, forklift drivers and tally clerks. Most of the work in these two industries is in the Bay of Plenty and Northland regions. There is also some work in the Ski industry – especially in the hospitality sector as well as on the slopes. Viticulture requires more people including people to hand harvest. Planting and pruning are on-going tasks.
What are the general rates of pay?
Good packhouse staff can earn around $120 per day before tax. Pickers are usually paid on a contract basis. The hospitality sector pay starts at approximately $12 per hour dependent upon experience. Construction rates vary.
What documents will I need before I can start work in NZ?
You need a work permit, Inland Revenue Department (tax) number and tax codes. You can apply for these online before you arrive if you come from countries with reciprocal agreements. Visit: www.immigration.govt.nz/migrant/stream/work/workingholiday andwww.ird.govt.nz/how-to/irdnumbers
Do I need any qualifications?
Most of the seasonalwork.co.nz jobs just require a positive attitude.
Where is the work located?
The horticultural work is located in orchards and farms right across NZ. The country is compact enough to ensure that there is usually a main town close by. The hospitably work is in cities including Auckland, Wellington and also
the main tourism areas of Rotorua and Queenstown.
Are there short term as well as longer term positions available?
Most employers appreciate staff who stay a few weeks at least, but during the fruit-picking season, even one week can be helpful. Being seasonal, once the demand passes the workoften ends, but there is always someone further along the road needing workers.
Is there any chance of a temp position turning into a sponsored type position?
If you have specialist skills e.g. chef, or trained horticulturist and want to stay, then this is highly likely. NZ Immigration has a list of skills that are in demand, and if you fit one of those categories, there is certainly potential for an employer to seek long-term work permits or even residency based on your skills.
Is a CV important and what tips can you offer?
An email application is usually all that is required, however, a CV will help to make a great impression. Evidence of customer service skills certainly help in the hospitality sector, but for most fruit picking jobs all you need is one
good arm!
What advice would you offer travellers when they first make contact with employers?
Advise your arrival date and give a brief description of our skills and experience. Also, have your work permit and tax details organised prior to arrival. Open a bank account for direct crediting of pay. And make sure you have time to enjoy all the beautiful places and great tourist activities that NZ has to offer.
Thanks to Janine Arnerich, Manager at www.seasonalwork.co.nz.
