2027 Hoki Season

Hello!

We are excited that you are interested in joining us in Aotearoa New Zealand for the 2027 Hoki season.

Click here to download a guide to help you consider whether a seasonal role in Nelson, New Zealand is right for you.

Disclaimer:

Please note Sealord has no agents working on our behalf for land based roles and all contact related to working at Sealord is with our Human Resources team.  We would never request payment in advance and please be aware any such requests are scams.

A cheerful group of seafood processing workers dressed in white uniforms and safety gear, smiling and waving outside a factory building.

What is Hoki

Hoki (Macruronus Novaezelandi) is a species of deep water fish that we catch from around New Zealand.  The peak season for Hoki runs from May to August. 

We process the Hoki we catch in our Wetfish factory in Nelson, New Zealand from May until September according to our ramp up plan. 

This means we gradually increase the number of people in our processing factory over the season.   

We commence operations with a day shift and then open afternoon and night shifts over this time. For example, in 2026 we commenced operations in late April, and were at full staffing capacity by the end of July. 

We operate three shifts, however, depending on recruitment needs, you may not be able to self-select the shift of choice.  More information on the days of the week you would work and the shift you would be working will be provided later in the recruitment process. 

There are many different roles in the factory and you will generally rotate around them over the season.  In all roles you will handle fish.

Applying for a seasonal role

We will be recruiting for the 2027 Hoki season.   

This will be for a fixed term role as a General Hand / Seafood Process Worker in our Wetfish factory.

The application process involves a number of steps. 

First, you need to make sure you will meet the requirements of the Peak Seasonal Visa scheme.  These are bound by Immigration New Zealand and these do change.   

At the time of writing, the requirements for a PSV include: 

  • Having at least one season of work experience in the same or similar job gained in the last 3 years – you will need to provide evidence of this (for example letter of reference from a former employer, certificates of employment, pay slips and tax certificates) 
  • Be in good health – you will need to undertake a medical assessment if you are offered a job opportunity with us.  We will provide more information on this if successful in your initial application). 
  • Have a good character – you will need to provide a current police certificate.

 

If you are confident you will meet the above, then you can apply online on our Sealord careers website

Workers in a seafood processing plant wearing protective clothing, gloves, and hairnets, filleting fish on a production line

Why work for Sealord

We are an innovative, fun, friendly and diverse work community.

We pay an afternoon shift and a night shift allowance if you work these shifts. 

Full Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and uniform is provided. 

We also offer free flu vaccinations along with staff sales and a staff discount card for local businesses