March 15, 2026

#economy: Record kiwifruit harvest expected to create thousands of seasonal jobs

Matthew Tukaki Posted On March 15, 2026

The Bay of Plenty’s kiwifruit harvest is underway with forecasts pointing to a record crop, bringing a major boost to the region’s economy and creating thousands of seasonal jobs across orchards and packhouses.

Industry estimates suggest about 19,000 jobs will be required in the Bay of Plenty during the harvest season, while around 24,000 seasonal roles will be needed nationwide as fruit begins to be picked and packed.

The season typically runs from March through to June, starting with the RubyRed variety before moving into the gold and green kiwifruit harvest.

Growers are expecting a crop of about 221 million trays, surpassing last season’s production of nearly 217 million trays and setting a new record for the industry. Each tray holds roughly 30 kiwifruit, meaning billions of pieces of fruit will be harvested for export markets around the world.

Recruitment is already underway for orchard work and packhouse roles, with returning seasonal workers making up a significant portion of the workforce. Workers on working-holiday visas and New Zealand residents are also expected to fill many of the available positions.

Pay rates vary depending on the role and level of skill. Orchard work is averaging about $25.70 an hour, while packhouse jobs range from around $25.63 for entry-level roles to about $28.54 for skilled positions, with some tasks paying significantly more.

The kiwifruit sector remains a major economic driver for the Bay of Plenty. The industry contributes about $3 billion to the regions where it is grown, with Tauranga alone seeing returns of around $320 million in the previous season.

Packhouses and post-harvest operators are now ramping up their seasonal workforce as the fruit begins moving from orchards to processing facilities. Some operations expect to employ thousands of workers during the peak of the harvest period.

Despite recent severe weather affecting parts of the North Island, the overall outlook for the crop remains strong, with growers reporting healthy yields and favourable growing conditions in many orchards.

The harvest is expected to peak in April before winding down through early winter, with packing and storage operations continuing through to August as fruit is prepared for international markets.

Kiwifruit is New Zealand’s largest horticultural export and remains a cornerstone of the Bay of Plenty economy, supporting growers, seasonal workers, exporters and a wide range of supporting industries across the region.