Picking
This is the harvesting of fruit to the required standard and is physical work. The employee must be able to lift, manoeuvre and reach the top of a 3-metre ladder. Most pickers are paid on a contract rate; e.g. for cherries the minimum bucket rate is $4-25. The average picker will pick 20 of these buckets in an 8-hour day but this depends very much upon the individual. However, you are required to pick at least 16 buckets.

Packing
This is the sorting of fruit into different grade standards. This part of the job involves standing at a sorting table and the employee must be fit and have good concentration. The employee must be able to work long hours, up to 7 days a week.

Note that the cherry picking and packing starts in mid to late December and continues through until late January, weather permitting. This is our peak season and prior to and after this period we require fewer staff.

Accommodation
We have accommodation available on site in bunkrooms, which were built two years ago. Because everybody is working hard and requires a decent sleep, no loud music or excessive noise is allowed after 10 o'clock. Our residential manager will allocate beds and look after everyone's needs.

The cost of the accommodation is $10-00 per night or $60-00 per week and it is filled on a first-come first-served basis. Payment must be made to the orchard supervisor on a weekly basis.

Transport and pay
Pay is fortnightly and is paid by credit so you require a bank account. Also you need an IRD number and, if you are from overseas, a work permit.

If you wish to work for us, you must have some form of transport as we are 5km from Cromwell. Even if you live on site, you still need to get into town for groceries, etc. On-site parking for cars and vans is extremely limited so we suggest using a bicycle.

If you would like to apply for a position at Sunset Orchard, then please complete our online application form on the website www.sunsetorchard.co.nz