About 17,000 kiwifruit roles need filling in Western Bay of Plenty and two February hiring days are planned to match job seekers with employers.

Ministry of Social Development has joined forces with seasonal employers to promote work opportunities.

About 18,000 seasonal vacancies need to be filled across the Bay of Plenty region ahead of the 2024 kiwifruit harvest, NZ Kiwifruit Growers’ Incorporated says. 

Job seekers keen to see what jobs are on offer can head to the Te Puke War Memorial Hall, 130 Jellicoe Street, Te Puke on Monday, February 12, or the Patuki Manawa Digital Hub, 21 Main Road, Katikati on Thursday, February 15.

Both events run from 10am to 12.30pm. 

A mix of harvest and packhouse roles will be available and attendees will have the opportunity to talk to employers about what jobs may suit them. 

“It’s about bringing the two together and allowing conversations to happen,” says MSD’s Regional Commissioner for Bay or Plenty Jacob Davies. 

“Not all seasonal jobs involve picking, packing, or stacking.  There are many options from forklift to administration so if someone isn’t able to do physical work, there may be other roles that suit.”

Anyone curious about working in the kiwifruit industry can put on a headset and see what it’s like to work on a kiwifruit orchard through virtual reality. 

“Seasonal work can be an opportunity for people seeking to get back into the workforce and can be a stepping stone to other types of work, including full time employment.

“The Ministry has a range of support to help job seekers move into employment, and will assist both job seekers and employers with the recruitment process.

“The expo is free so pop down and check it out.”