Electrical/Mechanical Technician

What does a typical day in your role look like?

I start by making sure all automated machines are online and ready to receive fruit. Throughout the day, I monitor their performance and make adjustments as needed to keep everything running optimally. I keep detailed records of any issues and fixes to help prevent future problems. I also monitor quality control to ensure the machines aren’t damaging the kiwifruit and that packaging and labels are 100% accurate.

Training staff on any changes I’ve made during the shift is another key part of my role. I work closely with operators to ensure everything runs smoothly and that safety guidelines are followed. I also manage product changes on the machinery’s HMI and stay in communication with line managers and team members to flag any potential pinch points.

And of course, I try to keep the team’s spirits high—it’s a full-on job, so cracking a few jokes throughout the day definitely helps!

How did you get into this role?

Completely by accident! I used to work for British Telecom in the UK before moving to New Zealand. My wife and I bought a lifestyle block with an orchard, and now the whole family—my wife, daughter and I—are involved in the kiwifruit industry. I was ready for a career change, and with my background, automation felt like a natural fit.

Did you need to study for this role, if so, what did you study?

To be honest, I didn’t study specifically for this role, but I’ve always used common sense and a strong work ethic to do my best. That said, there are plenty of automation courses out there, and university is definitely an option for those wanting to specialise.

What do you enjoy most about your work?

Working with like-minded people from all cultures and backgrounds. We have many talented overseas workers on their OE who bring valuable knowledge to the industry. I also love the satisfaction of seeing automation systems running at their best and being part of a great team.

What’s something unique, surprising, or fun about your role or team?

A fun and slightly addictive part of the job is seeing how far you can push the machines to get the best performance out of them. It’s a bit like being an F1 driver—always trying to be the fastest and most efficient.

What advice would you give someone interested in your role or career path?

Attend as many career expos as you can to explore your options. Then create a training plan or consider university to specialise in your area of interest.

Anything else that you would like to add?

This is a fast-growing industry with loads of opportunities for the younger generation to thrive. I hope my light-hearted story shows that sometimes careers happen by accident—but they can also be discovered.