Seasonal Work

Things you should know about Seasonal Work in Central Otago

• When does the season start?

  The bulk of seasonal work in Central Otago is completed between mid October and late April. For a better idea on the types of roles and demand.

  

• How much can I earn?

  Depending on the roles you are either remunerated on an hourly rate or piece rate (number of buckets, bins or trees).  Rates of pay vary depending on the skills required and the level of productivity.  Piece rates vary, ranging from the equivalent of minimum wage up to $25 or even $30 per hour for a good picker depending on crop type, contract/bucket rate and employee work ethic.   

  New Zealand employment law states that employees on either hourly or piece rates must earn at least the equivalent minimum hourly wage. For more information on roles and indicative rate see our role descriptions. 

• Where can I find work?

  Roles are listed on the Work the seasons website. You can also register your interest with Seasonal Solutions who provide a number of orchards and vineyards with staff.   

• What skills do I need?

  For the majority of roles, no previous experience is needed as all training is provided on-the-job. There is a wide range of positions available for young, old, skilled and unskilled people. All you need to be is fit, enthusiastic and reliable! Some roles require specific licenses such as a forklift license.

• What level of fitness is required?

  A reasonable level of fitness is required. Some roles require standing for long periods of time, lifting ladders, and carrying buckets full of fruit. It is always a good idea to discuss any existing medical conditions with your employer to make sure the role is a good fit for you.  To get a better idea of the types of roles and the requirements. 

• What are the hours like, and can I take time off?

  Weather conditions and crop timings heavily influence the work so you need to be flexible around hours and days of work. During harvest an employee would be expected to work between 4-7 days and up to  60 hours per week, unless by prior agreement.

  Would I be working weekends and public holidays? 

  Yes, during harvest work is undertaken when the crop is ready to be harvested and this may include weekends and public holidays.  

  For activities outside of the harvest season work is more likely fall within a traditional Monday- Friday working week.  

  When Public holidays fall on a day employees would normally work (employers cannot dictate that these are non-working days if they fall during the period covered by the employment agreement)  employees will be entitled to a paid day off, no matter how long they’ve been working. If they agree to work on a public holiday, employers must: 

  • pay at least time and a half 

  • give another paid day off later (a day in lieu) 

  What is the ability to take time off?

  If there is a specific period that you require time off for please discuss this with your employer at the outset. Summerfruit harvest work is over the Christmas period you need to be aware that it is difficult to take time off over this period, orchards and packhouses don’t shut down over the Christmas break. 

• How old do I have to be?

  Generally, 16 years and over however some employers may choose to employ younger workers for specific roles.  

• How do I get to work?

  You would generally be expected to provide your own transport to work. If you do not have your own transport, please discuss this with prospective employers as they may be able to advise on a solution.  

• Where can I stay?

  There are several options for accommodation while you undertake seasonal work in the district. Some employers provide accommodation and it is often worth discussing with potential employers’ options they have available. Employer provided accommodation could be onsite camping, motorhome parking, sleeping quarters or off-site in commercial accommodation or rented houses.  Non employer provided accommodation options include campgrounds and backpackers, and community provided accommodation such as renting a room in a local’s home.   

  Central Otago also has a number of free campsites however these are for short-term use only and not suitable for longer periods of time.