We are currently fully staffed in our seasonal roles. 

If you are only in our beautiful area for a short time and are interested in applying for a seasonal role, you will need to be either; an NZ citizen, an NZ resident, or hold a relevant working visa.

Keep checking our website for updates.

Our most common employment periods are:

10 March to 5 May for Apple Picking

1 April to 15 May for Kiwifruit Picking

1 July to 30 September for Pruning Apples & Kiwifruit

10 October to 23 December for Thinning Apples & Kiwifruit

Please be aware that we can only offer permanent roles to New Zealand residents.

We recruit all year round for permanent roles.

Are you new to the industry and keen to start a career? Or perhaps you already have experience and are looking for a change?

No matter your situation, if you are interested in a career in horticulture, you are always welcome to contact us.

Current Positions Available

Supervisor/QC/Fieldhand (2 roles available)

As a Supervisor/QC/Fieldhand, you will play a critical role in supporting orchard operations at Heywood Orchards. This multifaceted position involves supervising seasonal teams, overseeing quality control and compliance processes, performing various orchard and nursery tasks, and assisting in the development and care of young trees. The role also requires hands-on involvement in planting, grafting, disease management, and machinery operation.

This is a hands-on supervisory role suited to someone passionate about horticulture.  Ideally, you will have a background in a horticultural or agricultural setting and an understanding of pipfruit production.  You will also need to be comfortable supervising people.

If you have relevant experience and are interested, please send your cover letter and CV to Louise Heywood louise@heywoodorchards.co.nz.  Applications will close on Friday, 5 September 2025.

This is a permanent role, applicable to NZ residents.  Please do not apply for this position if you are not a NZ Resident.

Mechanic

As the Mechanic at Heywood Orchards, you’ll be responsible for the maintenance, repair, and operational readiness of all orchard machinery, vehicles, and equipment. You’ll be instrumental in supporting orchard productivity, safety, and long-term efficiency through proactive maintenance and technical expertise.

You’ll hold a trade qualification in mechanical engineering (with a preference for diesel or heavy machinery) and bring proven experience in maintaining orchard or agricultural equipment.

If you’re a skilled mechanic with a passion for horticulture and want to be part of a high-performing team, we’d love to hear from you.

If you have relevant experience and are interested, please send your cover letter and CV to Louise Heywood louise@heywoodorchards.co.nz.  Applications will close on Friday, 5 September 2025.

This is a permanent role, applicable to NZ residents.  Please do not apply for this position if you are not a NZ Resident.

R&M, Development Role

Are you a hands-on, practical person with a passion for working outdoors and developing productive environments? Heywood Orchards is seeking a motivated and skilled individual to join our team in an R&M, Development role.

This full-time, permanent role is critical to the ongoing development and maintenance of our orchards and infrastructure. If you are physically fit, enjoy working with a range of machinery, can solve problems on the go, and want to contribute to the success of a dynamic horticultural operation across all seasons – we’d love to hear from you!

Please send your cover letter and CV to Louise Heywood louise@heywoodorchards.co.nz.  Applications will close on Friday, 5 September 2025.

This is a permanent role, applicable to NZ residents.  Please do not apply for this position if you are not a NZ Resident.

We are currently fully staffed for the pruning season.  Our next intake period will be for Thinning in October.

Note:  You will need to be either an NZ Citizen, NZ Resident or hold a current relevant working visa to apply for available roles.

We have a number of accommodation options for our international workers, as well as those travelling from within New Zealand for the season. If you are interested in accommodation as part of your role with Heywoods, contact us!

Accommodation is available on the property, fully furnished, all electric/gas, with cooking utensils and crockery included. The only requirement is for you to bring your own bedding, towels and food. Rental is $17 per person per day. This includes electric power/gas and rubbish disposal.