News
Former professional chef Leif Hancox moved his career outdoors in 2019, establishing a great new job in the horticulture industry.
Operating in kitchens as a civilian contractor to the New Zealand Air Force, he had no time for any other life, and then things changed.
“I love being outside and I enjoy the change of speed,” he said of the less frantic pace within the orchard.
Many people in the industry would laugh to hear Leif say that, as horticulture work can be pretty demanding at times – but not compared to working 20 hours in a hot kitchen.
“It’s no way near as high pressured as cheffing.”
Starting with Fortune Fruit in November 2019, he is currently studying Horticulture Level 4 through the Otago Polytechnic.
Staff were all so friendly on the orchard and always willing to pass on information that was needed, he said.
He couldn’t believe how many varieties of cherries there were, and also the variety of people that he worked with.
“My boss is great. He doesn’t expect me to work weekends, but doesn’t say no when I do. It’s a great life.”
Down in the Teviot Valley, Zayd Stanley has been working on an orchard in Roxburgh since his late teens and hasn’t looked back.
It was thanks to his friend who introduced him to the world of fruit-growing, where the opportunities are endless.
His boss Hayden Taylor said Zayd’s stickability to keep coming back day after day and to be reliable and always on time was impressive.
“He’s just kept at it. Zayd has already built up a set of personal and time management skills that are just unreal.”
The Roseburn Orchard in Roxburgh East is owned by CAJ Apples and 20-year-old Zayd has plenty of variety in his job every day.
Officially completed his first full season and transitioning from a seasonal based role to a full time one, Zayd is also studying through ITO for a Level 2 Certificate in Primary Industries.
“The seasons in the orchard lead themselves to an ever changing work variety,” Hayden said.
For more information on careers in horticulture go to gohorticulture.co.nz or contact:
Chelsea Donnelly
Southern Horticulture Career Progression Manager
M: +64 27 478 0068