Fruit Inspector

Kō wai mātou? Who are we?

Zespri is more than simply the world’s single-largest marketer of kiwifruit. We like to think of ourselves as fruit on a mission and as rebels with a cause: to help people, communities and the environment around the world thrive through the goodness of kiwifruit. We are proudly the world’s largest marketer of kiwifruit, selling kiwifruit in more than 50 countries. We work with around 2,800 New Zealand and 1,500 international growers and post-harvest companies to source the best-quality Zespri Kiwifruit which we supply through our distribution partners to wholesale and retail customers. We are one of New Zealand’s best-known international brands, dedicated to creating sustainable long-term value for growers.  

He aha te mahi? What's the role?

The Fruit Inspector role is a fixed-term position based at our Export Consignment Product Inspection (ECPI) facility at the Port of Tauranga, Mount Maunganui, running from June 2026 to 31 October 2026.

In this role, you’ll carry out fruit inspections across the port facility and industry cool stores, ensuring all product meets Zespri International Limited (ZIL) specifications. Flexibility is required, as hours may vary across the kiwifruit shipping season.

Reporting to the Wharf ECPI Team Lead, key responsibilities include:

• Conducting fruit inspections at the Port of Tauranga ECPI facility and industry cool stores.


• Achieving and maintaining competency as a certified Zespri Fruit Inspector, including consistent application of kiwifruit grading standards.


• Completing and maintaining accurate inspection and audit records.


• Identifying fruit quality and food safety issues, and escalating these to the Wharf ECPI Team Lead or assigned QA.


• Supporting operational tasks, including de-stacking/stacking pallets and using a strapping tool when required.


• Working in line with Port of Tauranga, kiwifruit industry, and Zespri Health and Safety policies.


• Assisting with ad hoc tasks and projects as required.

Ko wai koe? Who are you?

With a keen eye for detail and a flexible, can-do approach, you will meet the following criteria:

• Good numeracy skills, with the ability to count fruit defects.


• Ability to write clearly, succinctly and correctly to record fruit inspection results.


• Basic computer skills (essential); confidence using the Microsoft Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) is advantageous.


• Ability to learn Zespri fruit grade standards defining and categorising fruit defects.


• Physically fit and healthy to complete physical work, including jiffy operation, pallet stacking and long periods standing at inspection tables, and able to meet Zespri eyesight requirements for fruit inspection.


• Understanding of kiwifruit quality and the kiwifruit industry is advantageous but not essential, and knowledge of Food Safety is desirable but not essential.

He aha e tika ai a Zespri? Why Zespri?

Our people are what makes our culture so irresistible and uniquely Zespri. We are a passionate and mighty team of 900+ employees in 23 different locations globally. Working at Zespri is an opportunity to join a fast-paced, culture-driven environment unlike any other. We want people who share our values of making it happen, creating real connections, and leaving a legacy. Join us in shaping our future and be part of a truly unique organisation.  

Apply Now! Applications close Friday 19 June 2026.

At Zespri, we understand the importance of diverse perspectives and experiences, and a fair hiring process is the first step to getting there. We want to attract a diverse range of people and encourage everyone from all backgrounds and walks of life to apply. Please let us know if you need any assistance or reasonable adjustments to take part in the recruitment and selection process. You can reach out to our Talent Acquisition team via email at [email protected] to have a chat to someone directly.