Seasonal Orchard Work - Thinning 2026

Looking for full-time work over your school or university holidays?

We have full-time apple thinning opportunities available across our orchards in Hastings, Napier and Central Hawke’s Bay from November through to December.

This is a great opportunity to earn money over summer, stay active outdoors and gain hands-on experience in New Zealand’s horticulture industry.

What you'll be doing

Apple thinning is an important part of producing our high-quality apples. You will be removing excess apples from trees, helping the remaining apples to grow to the quality standards we’re known for around the world. You'll receive training and support from our experienced orchard teams.

This role involves:

• Working outdoors in a range of weather conditions
• Being on your feet for most of the day
• Repetitive hand and arm movements
• Carrying and working from ladders
• Walking across uneven orchard terrain
• Working as part of a team to meet quality and productivity targets

What you'll bring

• Availability to work full-time throughout the thinning season (November to December)
• A good level of physical fitness and the ability to perform repetitive manual work
• Confidence working outdoors and on ladders
• Reliable transport to and from work each day
• A positive attitude, strong work ethic and willingness to learn
• Reliability and the ability to turn up ready to work each day
• The ability to work well as part of a team
• The legal right to work in New Zealand and the ability to pass pre-employment checks

Note: If you have exams, planned leave or other commitments, we encourage you to discuss these with us during the recruitment process.

What we offer

• Hourly rate of $23.95, with piece rate opportunities available
• Full-time seasonal work
• Training and support from experienced orchard teams
• A great team environment where your contribution is valued
• The opportunity to stay active and work outdoors
• Exposure to New Zealand's largest apple growing and export business
• The chance to earn money and build experience over your summer break

Who we are

At Mr Apple, apples are what we do. As New Zealand’s largest apple grower and exporter, we proudly grow, pack and market premium apples enjoyed around the world.

Our success comes from our people. With more than 2,00 team members from a wide range of background, we’re committed to creating opportunities for people to learn, develop and contribute to something they can be proud of.

Join us this summer and be a part of a team helping deliver the perfect crunch to customers around the world.