Assistant Farm Manager - Te Rapa

Job Overview

At Te Mātāpuna 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.

Join us as an Assistant Farm Manager and play a vital role in supporting the Farms Manager to achieve national and global objectives. Our Te Rapa and Orini farm blocks cover approximately 70 hectares where we milk 200 dairy cows and our Orini block 130 hectares where we annually export off‑farm around 700 tonne of dry matter in grass silage along with grazing dairy replacements.

Responsibilities

You will play a key role in supporting the Farm Manager to ensure the successful and sustainable operation of two farms that receive factory wastewater applications. These farming systems are designed to work in harmony with wastewater processes, balancing nutrient inputs from manufacturing activities with sound farming practices. You will help uphold a proactive and high‑standard approach to health and safety throughout all operations.

When the Farm Manager is off farm, you will take charge of running the farms, managing daily dairy operations such as implementing weekly grazing plans, maintaining a clean and well‑organized dairy shed, and managing contractor and stakeholder relations.

Your responsibilities also include supporting and motivating your team members, handling general farm maintenance tasks like fencing and spraying, and safely operating a wide range of farm machinery. You will regularly check and maintain farm equipment and vehicles to ensure they are kept in excellent condition, and you will be diligent in keeping accurate animal health records. Your contribution will be essential in managing the farm’s environmental performance and supporting Fonterra’s Te Rapa Manufacturing site and DairyFerts license to operate.

Qualifications & Candidate Profile

To be successful in this role, you will bring at least two years of hands‑on farming experience and demonstrate confidence in performing a wide range of agricultural activities safely and efficiently. As a proactive self‑starter, you will have strong skills in stock, pasture, and people management, backed by proven experience as an Assistant Farm Manager and the ability to manage various stakeholders.

We are looking for candidates who possess :

• Excellent attention to detail and a strong sense of pride in their workmanship
• A genuine passion for farming and a determined drive to achieve success
• Extensive knowledge in mating, reproduction, and livestock care
• A commitment to maintaining the presentation of our farms, coupled with a positive attitude and sense of humour
• Relevant education or training in dairy farming will be highly regarded
• Applicants who may not meet every desired qualification but display a strong willingness to learn and grow are encouraged to apply

Benefits

Ngā Mahi | A Career of Opportunities

At Te Mātāpuna 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.

Does this sound good to you? Come join our whānau – bring your whole self, and let’s solve for better together.

He Wāhi mō 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. Tātou, tātou.

Applications close at midnight on Thursday 11th December 2025

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