Farms Assistant - South Waikato

Position Description

At Te Matapuna Fonterra, we want everyone to feel they can be themselves.

Whether you're early in your career or ready for your next step, Fonterra offers a unique opportunity to grow with a global dairy co-operative that values care, collaboration and contribution.

Owned by New Zealand dairy farmers and supported by a dedicated team, we are all working together to create a better future.

Imagine tomorrow with us, where your career can grow, and you can create positive change.

He kupu mo matou | About us

The Nutrient Management Team is dedicated to the sustainable management of nutrients from Fonterra's manufacturing sites across New Zealand.

We manage 30 Fonterra-owned farms nationally, focusing on the management, sale, transportation and spreading of nutrient-dense product.

Mo tenei turanga | About the Opportunity

Reporting to our South Waikato Farms Manager, we are seeking a Farm Assistant to join our Central North Island Farms Team.

This is a permanent role where you will be working an average of 50 hours a week along with three other full-time staff.

The farms associated with this role are located between Putaruru and Tokoroa in the South Waikato District and comprise three ex-forestry blocks – Pinedale 1,350 ha, Sneddon 850 ha and Waratah 650 ha.

Of the total land, 1,200 ha are productive, with an additional 150 ha currently under development.

We specialise in exporting high-quality pasture to Fonterra Shareholders via a cut-and-carry system managed by local contractors.

Additionally, we graze lambs for a six-month period (starting in March) on the Waratah block.

Your Key Responsibilities Will Include

General farm maintenance

Supporting animal health and grazing management (lambs)

Assist with ensuring vehicles and equipment are maintained to a high standard

Support other farm staff with grass harvesting operations and pasture sampling

Recording and documenting farm activities effectively

Weed control and spray operations

Tractor work

Ensuring compliance with the Health & Safety in Employment Act

Accommodation : There is a comfortable three-bedroom home on farm.

Note : If the house is unavailable at the time of employment, a housing allowance will be provided.

Mou | About You

We're seeking someone who is self-driven, enthusiastic, and passionate about agriculture.

You thrive both when working independently and as part of a team, and you're eager to learn and grow your skills.

What will set you apart is your willingness to tackle any task, big or small, with confidence – and you won't hesitate to ask questions that help expand your knowledge and development.

Qualifications

Farming experience (beneficial but not required)

A strong interest in shepherding

A positive "can-do" attitude

A full driver's licence

Excellent communication and relationship-building skills

A willingness to adopt technology and farm-related apps

We're committed to your development.

As our Farm Assistant, you'll receive extensive training (both internal and external), giving you the skills and knowledge you need to thrive as a farmer.

Nga Aura | Our Values

At Fonterra, our values of Good Together, Better Every Day and Every Drop Counts are for everyone – no matter your background, identity or experience.

These values guide us in delivering exceptional outcomes for our farmers, customers, communities and each other.

Discover how your values align with ours by taking our Values Quiz.

Ta matou oati | Our Commitment to You

Fair and equitable pay

Health and wellbeing programmes (medical, mental health support)

Professional development opportunities

Career growth support

Work-life balance options (flexible / hybrid working where possible)

Employee recognition

Support for community involvement and cultural connection

To learn more, visit Fonterra Careers.

Nga Mahi | A Career of Opportunities

At Te Matapuna Fonterra, we are inspired by purpose and guided by our principles and values.

Together, we create goodness for generations and make a global impact at a local level.

As part of our Co-operative, you are an everyday creator, imagining what Fonterra, dairy and you can be here.

Tatou Tatou | Join Us

Does this sound good to you?

Come join our whanau – bring your whole self and let's solve for better together.

You, me, us together, Tatou, tatou.

He Wahi mo te Katoa | Together, we're shaping a future of inclusion.

Inclusion is key to our Co-operative.

We're building a team that reflects the diverse world we live in, believing it drives better decisions and innovation.

We welcome applications from all backgrounds (ethnicities, genders, identities, orientations, ages, abilities, neurotypes, cultures, religions).

Even if you don't meet every requirement listed, we encourage you to apply; we value your potential and growth.

If you face accessibility issues or need accommodations during the process, please contact your recruiter.

We ensure fair participation, allowing you to be at your best.

Applications close Friday 28th November

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