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Jobs in Marlborough
Wine growing and associated activities are a significant feature of the Marlborough economy.
At the top of the South Island, Marlborough and nearby Nelson-Tasman are world-renowned for their tourism and horticulture industries. Forestry, fishing and traditional farming are also highly productive.
For Marlborough the international success of New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc now dominates the region. But the export-focused economy produces a range of primary and manufactured products, with agriculture, aquaculture, forestry and fishing all contributing to local revenue and employee demand.
Home to 1 per cent of New Zealand’s population in the year ended June 2018, Marlborough provided 1.1 per cent of national employment and contributed 1.1 per cent of national GDP.
[Source: Statistics New Zealand data, 2018].
Marlborough seasonal work
Wine vats in Marlborough
Looking for more general employment information?
Fishing, fish and mussell farming, most fruit types, and our most famous wine - Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc - all contribute to an area of great prosperity and strong casual worker demand.
There is on-going work always available, but the autumn harvest season from March until May or June is the time of greatest demand.
The success of Sauvignon Blanc means the Marlborough region now produces almost three quarters of the wine made in New Zealand, so the ongoing demand for workers is high.
As well as the seasonal peak there are tourism and hospitality opportunities all year round.
Marlborough seasonal work calendar.
| When | What | Jobs | Find jobs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Feb - Mar | Sweetcorn picking and packing | 100+ | Pick NZ |
| Mar - Aug | Kiwifruit harvest + packing | 400 | Pick NZ, Kiwifruit Jobs NZ |
| Feb - Apr | Hop Harvesting | 250+ | Pick NZ |
| Feb - Apr | Apples and pears - harvest & packing | 1,300 | Pick NZ, Kiwifruit Jobs NZ |
| Feb - Apr | Apples and pears- thinning | 1,000+ | Pick NZ |
| Feb - April | Berry picking and packing | 2,000+ | Pick NZ |
| May - Oct | Macadamia harvesting | 100+ | Pick NZ |
| Jun - Aug (+ year round) | Vine Harvest/Maintenance Worker | 1,400 | Pick NZ, Kiwifruit Jobs NZ |
| Jun - Sep | Forestry - Planting | 400+ | ForestryCareers |
| Jul | Olive picking | 100+ | Pick NZ |
| Aug - Oct | Dairy – Calf rearing | 400 | NZ Farm source |
| Aug - Dec | Dairy - Milking | 400 | NZ Farm source, GoDairy |
| Nov - Feb | Winemaking | 250+ | Wine Jobs Online |
| Nov - Mar | Hospitality staff (all areas) | 2,000 | RestaurantNZ, Go with Tourism, Backpacker Board, Barcats |
| Nov - Mar | Tourism - Activity & Outdoor Guides | 250+ | Seek, TradeMe Jobs |
| Nov - Mar | Tourism Water Sports Guides & Boat Crew | 250+ | Seek, TradeMe Jobs, Adventure Jobs |
| Nov - Mar | Meat Processing | 100+ | Meat Your Career |
| Nov - Apr | Pea harvesting | 100 | Pick NZ |
| Year Round | Forestry | 300 | ForestryCareers |
| Year Round | Fisheries + seafood processing | 3,000 | TradeMe |
| Year Round | Accommodation Staff | 1,000+ | RestaurantNZ, Seek, TradeMe Jobs, Backpacker Board |
| Year Round | Mussel Farming | 100 | Seek , TradeMe Jobs |
Job vacancies in the Marlborough region
Trade Me Jobs - lists a large number of jobs in Marlborough.
Seek - New Zealand's largest general job website.
Work and Income - jobs available in Marlborough for Job Seekers.
careers.govt.nz - lists recruitment companies in New Zealand.
Newspapers
Most local newspapers publish jobs available in the area in the Situations Vacant column.
Job search help
Tips for recent migrants | careers.govt.nz - a free service to assist with your job search and prepare you for employment in the local labour market.
Work and Income New Zealand (WINZ) - a government department helping to find employment for residents or those with a valid work permit.
Business networking organisations
Smart Business Marlborough - the economic development agency for the Marlborough District Council.
Marlborough Chamber of Commerce - supports local businesses by offering advice, consultancy, training and networking opportunities.
Venus Network- a business network for women
Volunteering
Volunteering is a great way to gain work experience, meet new people, learn about your community, and improve your English skills.
Volunteering Marlborough matches volunteers looking for volunteering roles with organisations looking for specific skills, and offers free to low-cost training for volunteers.