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Kiwi WorkConnect

Connecting Working Holiday Makers with Seasonal Jobs Quickly and Easily

Important Notice

We are NOT employers. Kiwi WorkConnect is a connection service that links working holiday makers with employers seeking seasonal workers. We facilitate introductions only - employment contracts are directly between workers and employers.

What We Do

We Connect

We bridge the gap between working holiday makers seeking seasonal work and employers needing reliable workers during peak seasons.

We're Fast

Our streamlined process quickly matches available workers with employers, reducing the time and hassle of traditional recruitment.

We're Simple

No complicated applications or lengthy processes. Register your details, and we'll handle the connections for you.

What We DO

  • Connect workers with employers
  • Maintain database of available workers
  • Match skills and availability with employer needs
  • Facilitate initial introductions
  • Provide seasonal work guidance
  • Support both travelers and employers

What We DON'T Do

  • We are NOT employers
  • We don't manage payroll
  • We don't handle employment contracts
  • We don't supervise workers on-site
  • We don't provide accommodation
  • We don't process visas or work permits

Information For Travelers

Working Holiday Makers Welcome!

Are you planning a working holiday in New Zealand? Kiwi WorkConnect helps you find seasonal work in horticulture across New Zealand's beautiful regions.

Why Register With Us?
  • Quick Connections: Get matched with employers actively seeking workers
  • Flexible Work: Choose locations and timing that fit your travel plans
  • Seasonal Opportunities: Work during peak harvest seasons across different regions
  • Travel & Earn: Experience New Zealand while earning money
  • Free Registration: No cost to sign up and be connected with employers
What You Need
  • Valid Working Holiday Visa for New Zealand
  • Willingness to work hard in outdoor environments
  • Physical fitness for manual labor
  • Flexibility with work hours and locations
Note: Registration does not guarantee employment. We connect you with employers who will conduct their own hiring processes. Employment terms, pay rates, and conditions are determined directly between you and the employer.

Traveler Registration

Information For Employers

Find Reliable Seasonal Workers

Kiwi WorkConnect connects you with motivated working holiday makers ready to work in New Zealand's horticulture industry.

Benefits for Employers
  • Quick Access: Get connected with pre-registered workers actively seeking employment
  • Labour-Only Service: We provide worker connections only - you manage all employment directly
  • Flat Rate Pricing: Simple, transparent pricing at $1.05 per person per hour sourced
  • Flexible Numbers: Request as many or as few workers as you need
  • Seasonal Support: Access workers during your peak seasons
How It Works
  1. Submit your worker request through our contact form
  2. We match you with registered travelers in your region
  3. You conduct interviews and make hiring decisions
  4. You manage all employment contracts, payroll, and supervision directly
  5. Pay our flat charge-out rate fee for each worker successfully sourced (Charged for Connections Made)
Important: As the employer, you are responsible for:
  • Verifying workers' visa status and right to work
  • Employment contracts and compliance with NZ employment law
  • Payroll, taxes, and ACC obligations
  • Workplace health and safety
  • Day-to-day supervision and management
Before submitting: Please read our Employer Terms & Conditions to understand our pricing and service model.

Request Workers

Provide email, phone, WhatsApp, Facebook, or website where travelers can reach you

Flat Rate Pricing

Labour-Only Sourcing

$1.05 incl GST

Per Person / Per Hour Sourced


What's Included
  • Access to our database of working holiday makers
  • Matching service based on your requirements
  • Initial introductions and contact facilitation
  • Ongoing support during placement process
Pricing Example

Scenario: You need 5 workers for 40 hours per week, for 8 weeks

Calculation: 5 workers × 40 hours × 8 weeks × $1.05

Total Cost: $1,680 (one-time fee for the entire placement, capped at 40 hours per week per individual)

Terms: Our fee of $1.05/hr covers identifying and connecting you with qualified candidates. Payment is due when we provide candidate contact details, regardless of hiring outcomes. This is a connection service, not a placement guarantee.

Note: This is a one-time sourcing fee. You pay workers directly and are responsible for all employment costs including wages, taxes, and ACC.

Best Times to Visit for Horticulture Work

Plan your working holiday around New Zealand's seasonal harvest calendar

Overview

New Zealand's diverse climate means different regions have different peak seasons for horticulture work. The busiest months overall are December through May (summer and autumn), but opportunities exist year-round depending on your location.

Pro Tip: Plan your travel route around the seasonal calendar to maximize work opportunities throughout your stay!

Regional Seasonal Calendar

Northland - "The Winterless North"

Main Produce: Avocados, citrus (oranges, mandarins), tamarillos, olives, macadamias, kumara

Peak Months: April May June July

Notes: Work available year-round, but highest demand in autumn/winter months.

Year-round opportunities
Auckland

Main Produce: Market gardens, vineyards, berries, subtropical fruit

Peak Months: December January February March

Notes: Summer harvest season with good opportunities near the city.

Close to city amenities
Waikato

Main Produce: Blueberries, onions, potatoes, asparagus

Peak Months: January February

Other Opportunities: October November December

Notes: Summer is busiest, but some work available throughout the year.

Vegetable focused
Bay of Plenty - ⭐ HIGHEST DEMAND

Main Produce: Kiwifruit (80% of NZ's kiwifruit), avocados, feijoas

Peak Months: April May June July August

Other Opportunities: November December January

Notes: BEST region for finding work! Massive kiwifruit harvest creates very high demand for workers. Autumn to winter is the main season.

Top recommended region
Gisborne & Hawke's Bay - ⭐ HIGH DEMAND

Main Produce: Apples (50%+ of NZ's apples), wine grapes, stone fruit (apricots, peaches, nectarines, plums), pears, squash, asparagus, pumpkin, olives, sweet corn, peas, tomatoes

Peak Months: February March April May June

Other Opportunities: November December

Notes: Widest variety of crops! Autumn is the main harvest season. Excellent opportunities throughout the year.

Most diverse crops
Nelson & Tasman

Main Produce: Apples, hops, berries, wine grapes

Peak Months: February March April

Notes: "Sunshine capital" of NZ. Strong apple and hop industries. Autumn harvest.

Sunniest region
Marlborough

Main Produce: Wine grapes (NZ's premier wine region), sweet corn, olives

Peak Months: June July August

Other Opportunities: November December January

Notes: Famous Sauvignon Blanc region. Winter pruning and summer harvest. Great opportunity to work in wineries!

Wine country
Central Otago & Southland

Main Produce: Cherries, apricots, nectarines, peaches, plums, apples, wine grapes

Peak Months: November December January

Other Opportunities: April May

Notes: Premium stone fruit region. Summer harvest season. Close to Queenstown! Cherry picking December-February.

Near Queenstown

Quick Monthly Guide

Month Best Regions Main Crops Demand Level
January Central Otago, Waikato, Auckland Cherries, stone fruit, blueberries High
February Hawke's Bay, Nelson, Waikato, Central Otago Apples, stone fruit, berries High
March Hawke's Bay, Nelson, Auckland Apples, grapes, varied produce Very High
April Bay of Plenty, Hawke's Bay, Northland Kiwifruit, apples, avocados Very High
May Bay of Plenty, Hawke's Bay, Northland Kiwifruit, apples, citrus Very High
June Bay of Plenty, Hawke's Bay, Marlborough, Northland Kiwifruit, grapes (pruning), citrus High
July Bay of Plenty, Northland, Marlborough Kiwifruit, pruning, citrus Moderate
August Bay of Plenty, Marlborough Late kiwifruit, pruning Moderate
September Waikato Spring planting, early vegetables Low
October Waikato Spring crops, thinning Low
November Central Otago, Waikato, Marlborough, Bay of Plenty, Hawke's Bay Early stone fruit, summer crops Moderate
December Central Otago, Auckland, Bay of Plenty, Marlborough Cherries, grapes, summer crops High

Top Tips for Working Holiday Makers
  • Follow the seasons: Start in one region and move to another as seasons change to maximize work opportunities.
  • Apply early: Popular regions fill up fast! Register with us before your arrival date.
  • Be flexible: Being open to different locations and types of work increases your chances.
  • Peak times = more competition: During very busy periods, arrive with accommodation sorted and be ready to start immediately.
  • Consider shoulder seasons: Slightly quieter months can still offer good work with less competition.
  • Have backup funds: Weather can affect work availability, so have savings to cover gaps.
  • Network: Other backpackers are great sources of information about upcoming opportunities.

Get In Touch

Contact Information

Email:

Phone: +64 21 237 2596

Office: New Zealand


Have questions? Want to discuss our services? Get in touch and we'll respond within 24 hours!