Dry Stock Farm Assistant

About Ngāi Tahu Farming

Ngāi Tahu Farming is dedicated to sustainably producing products that respect and align with Ngāi Tahu values. Our purpose, "Mō tātou, ā, mō kā uri ā muri ake nei" — for us and our children after us — guides all we do. We operate under core principles including Whanaungatanga, Tohungatanga, Tikanga, Manaakitanga, Kaitiakitanga, Rangatiratanga, and Kotahitanga, which influence every decision and effort within our organisation.

Role Overview

We seek a motivated and team-oriented Dry Stock Farm Assistant to join the Dairy Support & Grazing team at Te Whenua Hou. Reporting to the Dairy Support and Grazing Manager, you will assist in daily farm operations, helping to enhance productivity, profitability, animal welfare, and environmental standards on the farm.

Key Duties

• Manage livestock tasks including mustering, drenching, drafting, TB testing, and general handling.
• Observe and ensure animal health and wellbeing to support high stock performance.
• Assist with pasture upkeep, crop management, and routine farm maintenance.
• Operate farm machinery and equipment with a focus on safety and efficiency.
• Adopt and support new technological methods and continuous improvement.
• Promote a positive team spirit and embody Ngāi Tahu values in daily activities.

About Te Whenua Hou

Te Whenua Hou is a substantial dairy support and grazing enterprise vital to the broader Te Whenua Hou dairy network. The farm spans 2,066 hectares over eight blocks, with an additional 1,000 hectares under development. It produces all supplementary feeds and winter crops for nine dairy farms. Stock numbers at peak include approximately 2,250 R1 heifer replacements, 2,200 R2 heifer replacements, 800 R1 and R2 bulls, 2,000 R1 and R2 dairy-beef cattle, and 3,500–4,500 summer lambs. The farm benefits from modern infrastructure, including 24 pivot irrigators supporting pasture and crop production.

Skills and Experience Required

• Demonstrable experience in managing livestock and pastures.
• Competence in maintaining farm equipment and infrastructure.
• Strong communication abilities paired with a collaborative and positive approach.
• Energetic, self-driven, and hardworking with a proactive attitude.
• Dedication to farm performance and ongoing learning.
• Willingness to understand and integrate Ngāi Tahu values, tikanga, and te reo Māori.

Why Join Us?

• Contribute to a values-centered organisation making a lasting difference for future generations.
• Access cultural development and professional advancement opportunities.
• Work in an inclusive, collaborative team environment that fosters continuous improvement.

If you have a passion for farming, sustainability, and being part of a culturally rich and excellent team, we invite you to apply and help build a better future — mō tātou, ā, mō kā uri ā muri ake nei.