Senior Calf Rearer

Mōkai te ngākau. He whenua he oranga. E ū ai ki te pae roa

The land sustains and nurtures as we reach to the horizon

Tūaropaki Trust (http://www.tuaropaki.com) is an Ahu Whenua Trust under the auspices of Te Ture Whenua Māori. There are more than 2,700 Owners, a mix of individuals, Whānau Trusts and Kaitiaki Trusts, all descended from the original Owners. The Trust is a kaitiaki for ancestral taonga and manages complex business interests in the food and energy sectors, with assets valued at approximately $1 billion.

Ngā mātāpono | Our values

• Whakapono – Inner belief in the Tūaropaki vision
• Kia Ū – Commitment, diligence
• Kia Manawanui – Courage, adaptability, strategic foresight and humility

Te tūranga | Your Role

We are seeking three Senior Calf Rearers to join Tūaropaki Dairy for the 2026 calving season, starting early July 2026 through to late December 2026.

In these roles, you will be key hands-on contributors to the calf rearing operation, supporting the rearing of approximately 500 dairy replacement calves on site through the season. You will also assist with the care of approximately 1,000 beef calves during their first 10 days of life, before they are transported to an external provider for ongoing rearing.

As Senior Calf Rearers, you will bring proven experience and a high standard of care to daily operations, including feeding and nutrition management, animal health and hygiene, and Health and Safety compliance. You will work closely with the Head Calf Rearer and each other as a cohesive senior team, and with the wider dairy and station teams across the season.

Key Responsibilities:

• Perform calf feeding efficiently and with care
• Ensure calves receive proper nutrition — including colostrum, milk (or milk replacer), and starter feed, at the right times and in correct amounts
• Demonstrate a strong commitment to the animal health programme and welfare standards
• Actively support and adhere to the Health & Safety programme
• Contribute to a strong team culture and support your fellow senior team members
• Follow instructions accurately and reliably

What You’ll Bring:

• Full Class 1 drivers licence preferred
• 2+ years experience in a large scale calf rearing operation preferred
• Side by Side experience with tractor driving experience preferred
• Knowledge of calf health, nutrition, hygiene and welfare best practices
• Strong awareness of health and safety and a commitment to maintaining a safe working environment
• A strong work ethic, reliability, and a positive attitude
• Good physical fitness and the ability to handle manual tasks
• Clear communication skills and computer literacy
• Resilience under pressure and a proactive approach to learning
• A team-focused mindset and the ability to work well alongside others

Note that this is a fixed term and drive in role.

Why join us?

The success of Tūaropaki Trust’s calf rearing team depends on teamwork, integrity, and a commitment to excellence. You’ll be part of a supportive and collaborative environment where your contributions truly make a difference. If you’re proactive, have a good sense of humour, and take pride in your work, we’d love to hear from you!

Questions?

To apply, please contact Amaya at [email protected] or on 027 228 1053.

Applications close 5 pm 31 May.