Gardener

Arvida Group Limited is looking for a Gardener to join their Kerikeri community in New Zealand. This full‑time, onsite position focuses on creating and maintaining the gardens that residents enjoy daily, with the support of a team that values care and service. The company develops and operates communities that provide independent living and aged care services for older New Zealanders, guided by a resident-led approach and core values like Being There, In It Together, and Look for a Way. This role would suit someone who loves hands-on gardening and takes pride in spaces that brighten residents’ days.

The role sits within a company that prioritises customer service and community spirit. You’ll work in a supportive environment that encourages learning, offers training, and promotes an educational path for gardeners through apprenticeships with Primary ITO. The position comes with a market-rate salary and a full kit of gear, including a uniform, quality wet weather gear, tools, and PPE. It’s a physically demanding job, so a good level of fitness is essential to perform well day to day.

If you’re drawn to practical garden work that makes a tangible difference in people’s lives and you want to grow your horticultural skills in a welcoming community, this could be a solid fit.

Gardener Role at Arvida Kerikeri: What You’ll Do

The Gardener will help create and maintain the community’s outdoor spaces using natural gardening techniques, with a focus on aesthetics, practicality, and resident enjoyment. Day to day you’ll tend plantings, support seasonal planting, and keep paths and garden areas well presented while keeping safety at the forefront. You’ll also contribute to a welcoming environment by providing good customer service to residents and working closely with the care and maintenance teams. The role includes participating in training and potential apprenticeships, supported by the company, and wearing the full uniform and PPE that are supplied.

Because the job is physically demanding, you’ll stay active and must be fit enough to handle outdoor work tasks across varying conditions. You’ll be expected to follow safe work practices and maintain equipment and tools as part of a careful, reliable approach to gardening. The team works in a way that respects residents’ needs and aims to create spaces that residents can enjoy, lean on, and take pride in.

The Right Candidate for Arvida Kerikeri Gardens

• Demonstrated competence in a similar gardening role
• Demonstrated knowledge of plants and growth patterns
• Highly motivated, flexible, and able to take initiative
• Safe work practices
• NZ Driver’s License and the ability to drive a small manual truck

• Excellent communication and organisational skills
• Strong interpersonal and problem-solving abilities
• The ability to work well with colleagues as part of a team, and be highly responsible and reliable
• The ability to focus attention on residents' needs while remaining calm and courteous
• A high level of fitness as this job is very physical

Pay and Practical Details for the Gardener Role

Salary is described as a competitive market rate. The role includes a full uniform and PPE, and the employer supports training with a pathway to apprenticeships through Primary ITO. The job operates on a full‑time schedule, onsite in Kerikeri, New Zealand, and offers a chemical-free work environment as part of the culture. The company emphasises an experienced and supportive workplace and a positive work environment to help you grow in the role.

Travel is not noted as part of the role, and the position requires a NZ Driver’s License with the ability to drive a small manual truck. The job is physically demanding, so a high level of fitness is expected to meet the daily garden tasks and resident-focused duties.

Advice for Applicants for the Arvida Gardener Position

Put your strongest horticultural experience up front on your resume, especially any roles that show you’ve worked in garden spaces with a focus on natural techniques and safety. Mention your competence in similar roles and any hands‑on project work that demonstrates plant knowledge and reliable performance.

Show proof of the must‑have skills in your application: your plant knowledge and growth understanding, evidence of safe work practices, and your driver’s license with the ability to drive a small manual truck. If possible, link these to concrete outcomes or projects you’ve handled in past roles.

Be ready to talk about how you interact with residents and colleagues in a garden setting. Expect questions about delivering friendly, patient customer service and about balancing garden maintenance with residents’ needs in a shared space. Have a few concrete examples of teamwork and reliability to share during the interview.

When you ask a question, focus on the development path available. A smart question could be about the apprenticeship option with Primary ITO or the level of training provided to progress through Level 3 to Level 4, showing you’re committed to growing your horticultural skills within the Arvida community.

How to Apply for the Gardener Job at Arvida Kerikeri

Along with your CV, please submit a cover letter outlining what you’ll bring to the role and your fit to Arvida.