Huka Pak

When the main Kiwi season slowed down for Seeka Oakside My Malaysian friends and I went on an immediate search for the next job available. We got news that another packhouse situated in Mount Maunganui would be hiring.

We set out the next morning and applied for a job there. We were actually too late as all positions were already filled up!! But we were very fortunate to get a job in the packhouse on the very same day anyways. The packhouse i'm talking about is called Huka Pak.

Located at : Te Awanui Huka Pak 221 Totara St, Mt Maunganui, New Zealand

Telephone : +64 7 575 9812

Fax :+64 7 575 9805

Email : employment@hukapak.co.nz

Their main Kiwi season run from April to end of June and the repacking season runs from June to September/October. The Avocado season (Yes, they pack avocados as well) run from October to December.

This is one of the good paying packhouses, not that any other of them are bad... They have good and friendly working environment, friendly co-workers, a lot of French Polynesians (the Vanuatus, Tongas, Fijians etc), South Americans, Punjabs, Indians, Malaysians, and other nationalities apart from the locals working there as well. Here is where I actually met my Husband :))

If you like football, you won't miss out on it here as i'm sure many South American, Malaysian, Germans, French and Vanuatu friends would regularly organize a friendly match after working hours or over the weekend.

Be prepared to learn other languages, other cultures and traditions. What a great way to work, learn and have fun!

Huka Pak pay rates:
Hourly: $12.95 an hour
Bonus: $ 0.50 an hour if employee have fulfilled all shifts and clock in and out on time
Meals : Free light dinner meals are provided by the cafeteria for those working extra shifts or overtime

*** Do take note that affective April 2010, the New Zealand Government have revised the minimum pay rate for all types of work in New Zealand from $12.95 to $15.00 an hour. Great News huh!!??

Our Vanuatu and Tonga friends work alongside as employees hired directly by the company under contract. Therefore, when it comes to the of their contracts, the packhouse would normally throw a shout (a Bbq or a luncheon party) as a token of appreciation. They are really friendly and really nice people. Excellent footballers with too :)

When October came, it was time to say goodbye to some, exchange contacts with many and make plans of travels with others.

Seeka Oaskside

Address: 242 Rangiuru Road, Te Puke
Main Season: March to June/July (Depending on the season)
Repacking: June/July to October
Best Time To Apply: Between March & April
Best WAY to Apply: Walk In

We were unable to provide a phone number but the best time to walk into the employment office over there for a job would be between March and April... Preferably before April.

And if you are not called up in a week, keep going over to ask if you get the job. They receive hundreds of applications every week. You've got a tough competition so you need to always follow up.

Also, Apply in other nearby packhouses too! That will increase your chances in getting jobs!

Here are some pictures taken during the time we were working in the packhouse.

Strapping Packed Kiwis onto a Pallet

Brazilian Strapper

Malaysians, Brazilians & Maoris having Their Smoko Breaks Together in The Green Shed

The Vanuatu ladies having their Coffee on Smoko Breaks

Ladies working on the packing line

Our Brazilian Stacker with the ladies at work

Our kiwi graders... The one in purple is actually my mom :)

More Malaysian kiwi Graders

And Me, the Tally Clerk

The Vanuatu Ladies!! Our Final Shout Out Gathering with the Vanuatus Before leaving for their French Polynesian Island to be united with their loved ones...

The Tally Clerks of Seeka Oakside year 2008!!

Good Friends we Made Along The Way :))

Cheers!