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

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.
Seasonal work in Marlborough and Nelson-Tasman, by month, job type and worker demand
When What Jobs Find jobs
Feb - March Sweetcorn picking and packing 100+ Pick NZ
March - August Kiwifruit harvest + packing 400 Pick NZKiwifruit Jobs NZ
Feb - April Hop Harvesting     250+ Pick NZ
Feb - April Apples and pears - harvest & packing 1,300 Pick NZKiwifruit Jobs NZ
Feb - April Apples and pears- thinning 1,000+ Pick NZ
Feb - April Berry picking and packing 2,000+ Pick NZ
May - October Macadamia harvesting 100+ Pick NZ
June - August  (+ year round) Vine Harvest/Maintenance Worker 1,400 Pick NZKiwifruit Jobs NZ
June - September Forestry - Planting 100+ ForestryCareers
July Olive picking  100+ Pick NZ
August - October Dairy – Calf rearing 400 NZ Farm source
August - December Dairy - Milking 400 NZ Farm sourceGoDairy
November - February Winemaking 250+ Wine Jobs Online
November - March Hospitality staff (all areas) 2,000 RestaurantNZGo with TourismBackpacker BoardBarcats
November - March Tourism - Activity 250+ GoWithTourism
November - March Tourism Water Sports Guides & Boat Crew 250+ GoWithTourismAdventure Jobs
November - March Meat Processing     100+ Meat Your Career
November - April Pea harvesting 100 Pick NZ
Year Round Forestry 300 ForestryCareers
Year Round Fisheries + seafood processing 3,000 TradeMe
Year Round Accommodation Staff 1,000+ RestaurantNZGo with TourismBackpacker 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.

Workhere - specifically designed to connect offshore skilled workers and Kiwi expats with New Zealand employers.

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.

Marlborough Express

Blenheim Sun

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. 

New Kiwis  - provides a programme linking New Zealand employers with skilled migrants living in New Zealand, or who are in the process of emigrating.

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.

Volunteering Marlborough

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