Join New Zealand’s largest grocery cooperative and make a real difference feeding the South Island! Foodstuffs South Island Limited is seeking dedicated Warehouse Picker/Packers for their Christchurch distribution centers, offering an attractive starting rate of $26.79 per hour with comprehensive benefits and excellent career progression opportunities. With both full-time and part-time positions available across various shifts, this role provides the perfect entry point into New Zealand’s essential retail supply chain while working for a proudly 100% Kiwi-owned cooperative that serves over 200 stores throughout the South Island.

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About the Employer

Foodstuffs South Island Limited stands as New Zealand’s largest grocery cooperative, employing over 14,000 team members dedicated to ensuring South Islanders have access to essential groceries and everyday items. As a proudly 100% Kiwi-owned and operated organization, the cooperative manages an extensive network of more than 200 PAK’nSAVE, New World, Four Square, and On the Spot stores from Golden Bay to Stewart Island.

The company’s mission centers on being at the heart of local communities, committed to making the South Island a better place for current and future generations. Foodstuffs values community connection, sustainability, and providing excellent career opportunities for team members. The organization is renowned for promoting from within, with many warehouse staff advancing to supervisory, management, and specialized roles throughout the cooperative. Their commitment to employee wellbeing, professional development, and equitable workplace practices has established them as one of Canterbury’s preferred employers.

Job Responsibilities

Prepare and complete product orders including loading, packing, wrapping, labeling, and shipping
Perform bulk repetitive picking operations with heavy lifting requirements up to 25kg
Operate machinery and electric pallet jacks safely to move stock throughout warehouse facilities
Maintain strict adherence to Health and Safety guidelines to protect yourself and team members
Meet daily productivity targets while maintaining accuracy and quality standards
Work efficiently in both Dry Goods and Chilled/Frozen warehouse environments
Collaborate with team members to ensure smooth warehouse operations and timely order fulfillment
Participate in inventory management and stock rotation procedures
Maintain clean and organized work areas in accordance with food safety standards
Contribute to the essential supply chain feeding South Island communities
Complete accurate documentation and reporting as required
Assist with training new team members and sharing best practices

Qualifications & Experience Required

Physical fitness and ability to comfortably lift up to 25kg throughout shift duration
Reliable and punctual work attendance record
Strong work ethic with enthusiasm for hands-on warehouse operations
Access to reliable transportation for daily commute to Christchurch distribution centers
Ability to pass mandatory pre-employment drug and alcohol testing
Willingness to work on feet for extended periods in fast-paced environment
Availability for shift work including weekends (part-time minimum 16 hours including one weekend day)
Commitment to completing 5-day paid training program during first week of employment
Forklift license or similar warehouse experience preferred but not essential
Basic understanding of Health and Safety requirements in warehouse environments
Team player mentality with positive attitude toward collaborative work

Salary & Benefits

Competitive Starting Compensation: The role offers an attractive starting rate of $26.79 per hour, providing annual earning potential of approximately $55,720 for full-time positions. Hourly rates are reviewed after 6 months, offering opportunities for pay increases based on performance and experience.

Comprehensive Benefits Package:

Free on-site parking and in-house café facilities at distribution centers
Southern Cross health insurance coverage for employees and families after qualifying period
Additional paid parental leave beyond statutory requirements
Free period products and financial health check services
Enhanced leave policies including Lifestyle leave and sick leave available from day one
Gym membership discounts and access to online wellbeing tools and resources

Professional Development Opportunities:

Extensive online training library with continuous learning programs
Clear career progression pathways throughout the cooperative
Mentorship and skill development programs
Opportunities to advance into supervisory, specialized, and management roles
Cross-training opportunities in different warehouse departments

Why Choose This Warehouse Picker/Packer Job?

This position offers exceptional value in New Zealand’s logistics and retail sector, providing stable employment with a company that has demonstrated resilience and growth for decades. Working with Foodstuffs means contributing to an essential service that directly impacts South Island communities, creating meaningful work beyond typical warehouse roles.

The cooperative structure ensures job security and long-term career prospects, with many employees building decades-long careers within the organization. The starting wage of $26.79 per hour significantly exceeds minimum wage and offers competitive compensation within Canterbury’s job market. The comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance and enhanced leave policies, provides exceptional value for employees and their families.

The role serves as an excellent entry point into retail supply chain management, logistics, and warehouse operations, with clear advancement pathways available. Foodstuffs’ commitment to promoting from within means dedicated employees can progress to supervisory roles, specialized positions, or even move into retail store management throughout their extensive network.

Location Overview

Christchurch, Canterbury’s largest city and the South Island’s commercial hub, offers an exceptional blend of urban amenities and natural beauty. The city has undergone remarkable revitalization following the earthquakes, emerging as a modern, vibrant center with excellent infrastructure and quality of life opportunities.

The distribution center locations provide convenient access throughout greater Christchurch, with excellent public transport links and major highway connections. The city offers affordable housing options compared to Auckland and Wellington, with shorter commute times and less traffic congestion. Canterbury’s lifestyle advantages include proximity to stunning beaches, world-class skiing, hiking trails, and recreational opportunities.

Christchurch provides excellent educational institutions, healthcare facilities, and cultural amenities including theaters, museums, and diverse dining scenes. The region’s strong agricultural and manufacturing base ensures economic stability and diverse employment opportunities for families. The moderate climate, friendly community atmosphere, and reasonable cost of living make Canterbury an ideal location for establishing long-term career and lifestyle goals.

How to Apply

Application Process: All applications must be submitted through the official Foodstuffs careers website using the online application system.

Application Steps:

Click the “Apply” button on the official job posting
Complete the online application form with accurate personal and employment information
Upload current resume highlighting relevant experience
Provide contact information for employment references
Submit application through the careers portal

Important Application Notes:

Applications are only accepted through the official careers website
Monitor email regularly for communication about next steps in the process
Check spam/junk email folders as correspondence may be filtered
Respond promptly to any requests for additional information or interview scheduling

Pre-Employment Requirements: Successful candidates must complete mandatory pre-employment checks including:

Drug and alcohol testing
Health assessment and physical capability evaluation
ACC history review
Employment reference verification
Background check processes

Training Commitment: All new employees must complete 5 days of paid training during their first week, Monday through Friday, regardless of their regular shift schedule.

Common Questions

Q: What shift patterns are available for warehouse picker/packer positions? A: Foodstuffs offers both full-time and part-time positions across various shifts including day, evening, and weekend schedules. Part-time positions require a minimum commitment of two 8-hour shifts per week (16 hours total) and must include at least one weekend day. Full-time positions typically involve 40-hour work weeks.

Q: Do I need previous warehouse experience to apply for this picker/packer role? A: While warehouse experience is beneficial, it’s not essential. Foodstuffs provides comprehensive 5-day paid training for all new employees, covering safety procedures, equipment operation, and warehouse processes. A positive attitude, physical fitness, and willingness to learn are more important than previous experience.

Q: What career advancement opportunities exist within Foodstuffs? A: Foodstuffs has an excellent track record of promoting from within. Many warehouse staff advance to team leader roles, supervisory positions, specialized departments, or move into retail store management throughout the cooperative’s 200+ locations. The company offers extensive training programs and professional development opportunities.

Q: What are the physical demands of the warehouse picker/packer position? A: The role requires good physical fitness as you’ll spend most shifts on your feet, with regular heavy lifting up to 25kg. Workers operate in both ambient and chilled/frozen environments, use electric pallet jacks and machinery, and perform repetitive picking operations. Pre-employment health assessments ensure candidates can safely perform required tasks.

Q: When do the health insurance and other benefits begin? A: Most benefits including enhanced leave policies begin from day one of employment. Southern Cross health insurance coverage for employees and their families starts after a qualifying period. Other benefits like gym discounts, financial health checks, and access to wellbeing tools are available to all team members.

Final Thoughts

This Warehouse Picker/Packer opportunity with Foodstuffs South Island Limited represents an exceptional chance to join New Zealand’s most successful grocery cooperative while building a stable, rewarding career in Canterbury. With competitive starting wages of $26.79 per hour, comprehensive benefits, and clear advancement pathways, this role offers both immediate financial security and long-term career development potential.

The opportunity to contribute to an essential service that feeds South Island communities provides meaningful work beyond typical warehouse employment. Foodstuffs’ reputation for promoting from within, combined with their extensive training programs and supportive work culture, creates an ideal environment for career growth and professional development.

Whether you’re seeking your first warehouse role or looking to join a stable, community-focused organization, Foodstuffs offers the training, support, and opportunities needed for long-term success. The combination of competitive compensation, excellent benefits, and the security of working for New Zealand’s largest grocery cooperative makes this an outstanding career opportunity.

Don’t miss this chance to join over 14,000 Foodstuffs team members making a real difference in South Island communities. Apply today through their careers website and take the first step toward a rewarding career with New Zealand’s premier grocery cooperative in beautiful Christchurch, Canterbury.

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