Calf rearer & Class 4 Driver

Join Our Whānau as a Calf Rearer & Class 4 Driver

Fixed-Term Seasonal Role | Ngāi Tahu Farming | Te Whenua Hou

Kia hiwa rā!

We are looking for a Calf Rearer & Class 4 Driver to join our whānau for the upcoming calving season, from 27 July to 15 December 2026. This exciting dual-purpose role will support the operation of our brand-new calf rearing facility alongside our dairy farms at Te Whenua Hou (Eyrewell Forest, North Canterbury).

This role combines the responsibility of safely transporting milk between our dairy farms and calf rearing facility with hands-on calf rearing duties, helping ensure our young stock receive the very best start in life.

Mō Te Mahi – About The Role

Working across both transport and calf rearing operations, you'll play an important role in supporting the daily running of our calf rearing facility.

Key Responsibilities Include

• Transporting milk safely and efficiently from our dairy farms to the calf rearing facility
• Operating and maintaining vehicles in accordance with health and safety requirements
• Feeding calves in line with established programmes
• Monitoring calf growth, health, and wellbeing
• Maintaining excellent hygiene, cleanliness, and biosecurity standards
• Supporting animal health treatments and welfare practices
• Assisting with general calf rearing and facility operations
• Working closely with the wider farming and calf rearing teams

Hours of Work

• This is a fixed-term seasonal role from 27 July to 15 December 2026, working on a 5 days on, 2 days off roster.
• Hours will vary throughout the season depending on operational requirements, calf numbers and milk transport requirements. During the peak calving period in August and September, employees can expect to work approximately 45-50 hours per week, with hours generally reducing through October, November and December as seasonal demands ease.
• Due to the nature of milk transportation and calf rearing, some early starts will be required. Rosters will be provided in advance wherever reasonably practicable, and flexibility is important during peak seasonal periods.

What We Offer

• Competitive remuneration
• Support and guidance with industry-leading farming practices
• Close proximity to Oxford, Rangiora, Kaiapoi, and Christchurch
• On-farm accommodation options may also be available. Please let us know if this is something you require and we can discuss options.

He Kōrero Mōu – About You

You’ll bring a strong work ethic and a genuine care for animal welfare, along with:

• A current Class 4 Drivers Licence
• Experience operating heavy vehicles safely and responsibly
• Experience in calf rearing, dairy farming, or livestock (preferred but not essential)
• A practical, reliable, hands-on approach
• Good attention to detail and awareness of animal health
• Ability to work well independently and as part of a team
• Willingness to adapt to a busy seasonal environment
• Openness to learning tikanga and te reo Māori

Mō Mātou – About Us

These roles offer the opportunity to be part of a team that supports the sustainable growth and protection of our tribal pūtea and settlement assets for future generations.

“Mō tātou, ā, mō kā uri ā muri ake nei”

(For us and our children after us)

At Ngāi Tahu Farming, we are committed to farming sustainably and upholding our responsibilities as kaitiaki of the whenua.

Nau mai, haere mai, tauti mai!