Dry Stock Farm Assistant

Type: Full-time, Permanent

Location: Christchurch

Description

Dry Stock Farm Assistant – Te Whenua Hou

Ngāi Tahu Farming | Permanent, Full-time

Mō mātou – About Us

Ngāi Tahu Farming is committed to producing sustainable products from our environment in a way that aligns with Ngāi Tahu values. Everything we do is guided by our purpose: “Mō tātou, ā, mō kā uri ā muri ake nei” – for us and our children after us.

Our values – Whanaungatanga, Tohungatanga, Tikanga, Manaakitanga, Kaitiakitanga, Rangatiratanga, and Kotahitanga – shape our decisions and underpin everything we strive to achieve.

Mō te tūranga – About the Role

We are looking for a motivated, team-focused farmer who takes pride in animal welfare, farm performance and continuous improvement to join our Dairy Support & Grazing team at Te Whenua Hou. Reporting to the Dairy Support and Grazing Manager, this role is responsible for supporting day-to-day farm operations while contributing to the productivity, profitability, animal welfare, and environmental performance of the farming business.

Key responsibilities include:

• Assisting with livestock management, including mustering, drenching, drafting, TB testing and general stock handling
• Monitoring animal health and welfare to maintain high standards of stock performance
• Supporting pasture management, cropping activities and general farm maintenance
• Operating farm machinery and equipment safely and efficiently
• Embracing new technologies and contributing to continuous improvement initiatives
• Contributing to a positive team culture and living Ngāi Tahu values in everyday work

About Te Whenua Hou

Te Whenua Hou is a large-scale dairy support and grazing operation that plays a critical role in supporting the wider Te Whenua Hou dairy platform.

Key features of the farm include:

• 2,066 hectares across eight farm blocks, with a further 1,000 hectares currently under development
• Production of all supplementary feed and winter crops for the nine dairy farms within Te Whenua Hou
• Peak stock numbers of approximately:

• 2,250 R1 heifer replacements

  2,200 R2 heifer replacements

  800 R1 and R2 bulls

  2,000 R1 and R2 dairy-beef cattle

  3,500–4,500 summer lambs

• Modern farm infrastructure and systems
• 24 pivot irrigators supporting pasture and crop production

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako – Skills & Experience

To be successful in this role, you will have:

• Proven experience in livestock and pasture management
• The ability to maintain farm equipment and infrastructure
• Strong communication skills and a positive, team-focused attitude
• Energy, initiative and a strong work ethic
• A commitment to farm performance and continuous learning
• An understanding of, or willingness to learn about, Ngāi Tahu values, tikanga and te reo Māori

He aha ai koe ka mahi ai ki a mātou? – Why work with us?

• Be part of a values-driven organisation making a difference for future generations
• Opportunities for cultural development and professional growth
• Work within a supportive team environment that values inclusion, collaboration and continuous improvement

If you are passionate about farming, sustainability, and being part of a team that values culture, community and excellence, we'd love to hear from you.

Apply now and help us shape a better future – mō tātou, ā, mō kā uri ā muri ake nei.