PACKAGING JOBS IN NEW ZEALAND

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Packaging job in New Zealand

As a New Zealand packaging professional, your work is important to businesses across the country. From designing and manufacturing packaging to operating machinery and ensuring quality control, packaging roles manage the distribution of products that fuel the nation’s economy. However, the reality of a packaging career is not always clear.

If you’re considering a move to this growing industry or want to progress in your current role, it’s important to understand the details of pay, benefits, job security and career progression in the New Zealand packaging industry. This article provides an in-depth look at what you can expect from a packaging job in New Zealand so you can make the most informed decisions about your career.

Packaging Job Salary and Benefits in New Zealand

Package roles in New Zealand offer competitive pay and benefits. According to PayScale, the average salary for a packaging technician is NZ$45,000 per year. Salaries range from NZ$35,000 to NZ$60,000 per year.

Benefits typically include

Paid time off: Most package companies offer paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays.
Health insurance. Most employers in the luggage industry offer private health insurance that covers optical, dental and medical insurance. Some subsidize some of the fees.
Pension plans: Many package companies offer pension benefits, such as KiwiSaver, a work-based pension savings scheme. Some offer matching employer contributions up to a certain percentage.
Fringe Benefits: Fringe benefits can include life insurance, disability insurance, employee discounts, and training or educational sponsors.

The salary and benefits offered will depend on factors such as your experience level, your job duties and responsibilities, your education, your company and your location in New Zealand. In general, package jobs in big cities pay slightly higher wages.

Daily Duties and Responsibilities of a Packaging Role

As a packaging professional in New Zealand, your day-to-day duties will focus on ensuring that products are packaged correctly for distribution and sale. This may include:

Use of packaging machinery and equipment to assemble, fill, seal, label and palletize product packages.
You will install, adjust and maintain high speed automated packaging equipment according to production requirements.
Multi-stage packaging inspection to ensure correct assembly, filling, sealing, labeling and final packaging.
You must identify any defects to avoid problems that could compromise the quality or safety of the product.
Manage packaging supplies, materials and components to keep the packaging line running efficiently.
This includes tracking inventory, quality control, ordering and maintaining a proper storage system.
Monitoring the packaging process and equipment to quickly identify breakdowns, blockages or other problems that could slow or stop production.
You will need to make small corrections or adjustments to keep the line moving.
Compliance with all food safety rules and company standards related to packaging hygiene, quality and waste.

The specific duties of a packaging role can vary depending on factors such as the products being packaged, the degree of automation and company procedures. However, general liability still focuses on the safe packaging of products for distribution to customers and consumers. Committed to detail, technical ability and quality, packaging professionals play an integral role in New Zealand’s manufacturing and distribution industry.

How to Get a Packaging Job in New Zealand

There are usually certain requirements and qualifications required to get a packing job in New Zealand.

Training and education

Although not always required, training in packaging, supply chain management, logistics or similar can help. Relevant courses may include, for example, packaging materials and design, warehouse operations, transport management and sustainability. Training is usually organized at work.

Skills and experience

Strong organizational, communication and problem-solving skills are essential. Knowledge of packaging equipment and relevant software applications is also important. Experience in a manufacturing environment and knowledge of occupational health and safety standards is considered an advantage.

Certification (optional)

Earning a certification in packaging or supply chain management can showcase your skills to employers. The New Zealand Packaging Association offers the designation of Certified Packaging Professional (CPP). To earn a CPP, you must meet work experience requirements and pass an exam covering all major packaging industries.

Job opportunities

There are several packaging job titles in New Zealand, including packer, packaging technician, packaging designer, packaging engineer and packaging manager. Openings are found in manufacturing companies, warehouses and distribution centers, package suppliers and package consulting firms. Obtaining the necessary education, skills, experience and certification (if desired) can lead to a successful and rewarding career in the packaging industry.