Growing Future Horticulturalists Internship

Are you interested in discovering what a career in horticulture could involve? Spend 5 weeks with Mr Apple to get a taste of what we have to offer. 

• 5-weeks paid work experience  
• Opportunity to work alongside and learn from a team of experts
• Two positions available  

What you’ll be doing 

During this paid internship you will be one of 2 interns who will work for 5 weeks within different departments at Mr Apple. The program is split into two sessions so that you can experience the full life cycle of the apple, from thinning through to harvest and post-harvest. During the first 3-week session you’ll be based on an Orchard from December 2nd – 20th. For the final 2 weeks you’ll work within our post-harvest department (in Hastings) from April 14th – 24th. 

The internship combines hands on work (80%), meeting and learning from experts in all departments (10%) and a joint project (10%). You will also take part in a day site tour to other industry organisations during term one and may have the opportunity to gain some additional certification. 

Work and spend time within our 3 departments: 

• Orchards – understand the many jobs on an orchard important to growing perfect apples and spend time thinning and counting. 

• Post harvest – learn how the apples are tested, transported, packed and stored ready for export while working in our packing lanes. 

• Business support services – meet the departments who support our people and ensure the smooth running of our business from finance, marketing and sales to shipping and compliance. 

 

What you’ll bring 

• You are currently year 12 and start year 13 in 2025 

• You are available for the full 5 weeks of the program 

• Passion – you are keen to learn and explore a career within horticulture 

• You are a hard worker and willing to try many different roles 

• You have good communication skills and commit to staying in touch with the program coordinators throughout the internship 

• You’re willing to give back by presenting what you learn to your school 

• You have the right to work in New Zealand  
   

 

What we offer    

• 5 weeks paid internship during your school holiday’s 

• Learn about the different teams and work within NZ’s largest integrated apple grower and exporter  

• Experience and learn different roles in our orchard and post-harvest departments 

• Meet and network with experts from the horticulture industry 

• Regular catch ups with a mentor  

• A day tour to learn about other businesses across Hawke’s Bay 

Interested? Check out this video from last years interns.

If you want to be part of a business that delivers world class people experience alongside world class apples, then please apply now!  Applications close 5pm on Sunday 10th November.

Who we are 

Mr Apple is New Zealand’s largest integrated apple grower, with 15 orchards and 5 Post Harvest facilities across sunny Hawke’s Bay.  We are proud to be part of Scales Corporation. After 120 years Scales has established itself as a market leader in agribusiness. At Mr Apple, our team of experts prides themselves on apple perfection – to achieve this, we hire and grow a diverse workforce of people from all backgrounds, experiences and perspectives.