Nectarine Season
Nectarine season runs from late January to the end of March. These dates are variable and can change as they rely on both weather and crop ripening.
The Orchard.
Pickers start picking at 6am. The day may vary between 8 and 10 hours. Variations are by agreement, but everything depends on fruit crop and weather.
Panmure Orchards has performance based renumeration for orchard workers thinning and harvest. The performance bonus is quality and quantity based accrued and paid on completion of the seasons work.
Breaks and lunches are taken where we are based for the day, not at the packhouse so all pickers need to have plenty of food, water and suitable clothing for their day. Toilets are on site.
The Packhouse.
Packers start at 8.30am and finish time varies depending on fruit availability as we aim to process all nectarines picked the day before.
The hours may vary. Variations are by agreement, but everything depends on fruit crop availability and weather.
Performance based renumeration is not available in the packhouse.
The Technical Details
Work for the orchard and packhouse is casual as and when required due to the nature of the job. Next days’ work will be advised daily or in the event of adverse weather by Facebook post as soon as possible before the advised start time.
The hourly rate is $21.20/hr plus holiday pay for those over 16 years of age. For those aged 14-15 a youth wage is applicable. Pay is direct credited weekly. A valid work visa (if required), bank account and tax number must be obtained before starting work. Date of birth and a valid address is required. Information is sent to the IRD tax department weekly, so tax will be deducted at the no declaration rate if a correct tax number is not provided. Refunds may be obtained where appropriate after 31 March the end of the tax year.