Agribusiness

Across the Whakatāne District, agribusiness provides significant employment. Agriculture (mostly dairy and beef) and horticulture are major export activities. The dairy industry alone is worth some $600 million to the district economy.

Fonterra is one of the district’s largest employers. Opportunities range from food science to tanker driving. Other contacts are Young Farmers and Federated Farmers.

Fertile soils support a variety of horticulture activities, including kiwifruit, citrus and avocado orchards, berry fruit and market gardens. These activities open many employment opportunities, with significant seasonal and casual work, such as picking and packing fruit.

Eastpack and Opac are key names in kiwifruit postharvest. In berry fruit, Julians Berry Farm and Cafe and Blueberry Corner are both very popular and successful businesses.

If you’re keen on picking, PickNZ is a good place to start. If you’re overseas, find information on visa requirements at Immigration New Zealand.