The horticulture and fruit growing industry has experienced a slight decline in recent years. This industry's growth depends on the prices paid for crops. Currently apple crops are worth a lot less than kiwifruit. The main occupations involved in the industry are pruning, thinning, picking, packing, and spraying.
Staff turnover is low on apple orchards, but high in the kiwifruit area.
Most jobs offered are seasonal and part-time. Both males and females are employed in the industry. Females are preferred for fruit handling jobs, while male strength is an asset in the heavy jobs.