Work

Work is available all year round in the Bay of Plenty.  We have many contacts for all types of seasonal jobs.  If you have a particular skill which could be useful, you may find it easier to get work. A good attitude and work ethic will help you find employment and stay employed.

The busiest times for Seasonal work are during the Kiwifruit picking and packing which start towards the end of March and ends the end of November.  

Winter pruning and tying down starts from June and continues until middle of September.

Then there are various other jobs associated with the kiwifruit orchards that continue until the late summer.

We use several reliable and reputable contractors and have a long association with some of the major packhouses in the area. 

You will need to have a Working Holiday Visa.  If you only have a Visitor Visa, you may be able to apply to NZ Immigration Service for a Seasonal Work Permit. http://www.immigration.govt.nz

You will need a Tax Number (IRD Number) before you can get paid.  We can assist you in your application or you can obtain an application form from our local Inland Revenue Office.  Alternatively you can order an application form on line. http://www.ird.govt.nz

You will need a New Zealand bank account so that the money you earn can be paid directly into your account.  This is the method that most employers will use.  Some will pay you cash if you ask . The most commonly used banks are ANZ, Kiwibank, Westpac and BNZ. These banks are usually present in most larger New Zealand centres.

Having your own car is an advantage but not essential. Transport is provided by some contractors and packhouses.  Sharing a fellow backpackers car is also a popular way to get to work, although you will be expected to share fuel costs.  The hostel can also provide transport and you will be expected to help share fuel costs also.   

PLEASE NOTE: We assist our guests who stay with us in finding work but are NOT a job agency or employer. We are in regular contact with employers and businesses to obtain job opportunities as they become available. PRIORITY is only given to our guests staying with us.

Most employers prefer to see you in person to assess your suitability, so the best chance of getting a job is to come here and let us put you in touch with them. Many jobs are also taken up within minutes of being offered (some employers require an instant commitment as we speak to them over the phone), so you have to be here in order to secure work.