We have filled positions for the 2024 picking season.
Email your CV to orchard@cherrybank.nz

Seasonal Employment

Cherrybank Orchard employ seasonal workers from November to January for the cherry harvest.

These positions are as and when required and our work is determined by the weather.

If it is raining we cannot harvest until the fruit is dry again. Rain can also damage the fruit which may reduce production. Work can also be limited by hot weather, machinery breakdown and other things beyond our control.

The cherry season begins sometime from mid November onwards depending on fruit ripening.

We communicate regularly with staff to update predicted start dates.

Our season goes through to Christmas and sometimes into the New Year.

If you are employed by Cherrybank we require staff to be available when the fruit is ready to pick and we keep communicating to staff as to picking team start times.

We like to meet our staff and you are welcome to complete an employment form to let us know you are interested in working at the orchard.

We will be in contact with you from September onwards to check your availability, but if you are in Blenheim we do like to meet with you to put a name to the face. We cannot guarantee work, and for fairness we endeavour to take people on in the order that they apply for positions where possible. We have positions out in the orchard picking cherries, as well as in the packhouse grading and packing.

We are especially busy throughout December and generally through to New Year. Weather permitting the work is 7 days per week but there will be no work 25, 26 December or 1, 2 January if possible.

Experience is not a pre-requisite as we provide on-going training, but we would prefer pickers to have a season experience.

FAQS

What is picking?

This is harvesting the cherries and everyone will be trained on how we like you to pick cherries at Cherrybank Orchard. Employees will be provided with a picking harness and pick cherries into a bucket. You must be physically fit, be able to climb a 2m ladder and able to lift, carry and place a ladder from tree to tree.

What are the hours of work when picking?

Hours may vary due to weather conditions, however a normal day begins at 6.30am and finishes at 3pm seven days a week. These times may alter depending on weather but we will advise staff of any changes.

How much do pickers get paid?

Pickers are paid on contract, that is, on the number of buckets they pick each day. The rate varies depending on variety and ease of picking, but the more you pick the more you earn. We expect our pickers be able to earn more than the minimum hourly rate of $23.15 per hour. The contract rate includes paid work breaks, and you will also receive 8% holiday pay each week.
We process pays weekly on Monday so the $ are in your bank account by Tuesday.

You are paid directly into your bank account so you must have a New Zealand bank account, an IRD number and if you are not a NZ resident, a valid work visa. Your payslip will be emailed to you each week.

What should I wear for picking?

We recommend you wear decent footwear suitable for climbing ladders, clean clothes, and long hair must be tied back/covered. As you are working outside appropriate clothing is essential. Please bring plenty of water to drink and food for the day. We provide sun cream and hand sanitiser for staff. No sunglasses or gloves please.
The weather can be changeable so bring warmer clothing in case it is required.

What is grading & packing?

This is sorting/grading cherries into different grades and packing into boxes for export and domestic markets. You must be physically fit, well co-ordinated and able to stand for extended periods of time and have excellent concentration.

What is the pay in the Packhouse?

We pay graders on contract rate per bucket and the rate varies depending on variety and market. The minimum hourly rate is $23.15, but we expect that our contract graders can earn more than this per hour.
Other jobs in the packhouse are at an hourly rate of $23.15 and there may be additional jobs at the end of each packing day.
We process pays weekly on Monday so the $ are in your bank account by Tuesday. You are paid directly into your bank account so you must have a New Zealand bank account, an IRD number and if you are not a NZ resident, a work visa. Your payslip will be emailed to you each week.

What are the hours in the Packhouse?

The packhouse hours are from 7.30am to 3.30pm but this may vary depending on fruit availability and meeting freight deadlines. Work is usually 7 days per week and we will advise any changes in start/finish times. The work is weather dependent so there may be days off if we have rain, but you will be notified of this.

What do I wear in the Packhouse?

You will need decent footwear that is comfortable and completely covers your feet, no loose clothing that could catch in machinery, no earphones, no jewellery and hair must be tied back off your face. We will provide hair nets, hand sanitiser and aprons as required. It can be cold in the packhouse so make sure you wear layers to ensure you keep warm.

Do you have accommodation on the orchard?

No, we do not have any accommodation available on the orchard, but there are several options nearby:

Swampys Backpackers
Spring Creek Holiday Park
Spring Creek Motels
Grovetown Tavern
DOC Campsite Rarangi

Alternatively there is plenty of accommodation options in Blenheim which is an 8 minute drive away.

Do I need my own transport?

Cherrybank Orchard is just outside of Spring Creek on the main road between Blenheim and Picton. We are approximately 8 minutes from Blenheim so depending on where you are staying you will need a car or bike. We provide onsite car parking in designated areas. There is also a bike track from Blenheim to Spring Creek.