Calf Rearing Team Lead

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 (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

 

Pastoral farming is a core activity of Tuaropaki Trust. The entire 3,410ha property produces beef and lamb, and milk. The Trust also operates a worm farm, Native Plant nursery, and honey production as part of its rural operations. Each part of the business interacts in some form with the other to assist in the goal of “sustainable practices”.

The sheep and beef and dairy support component of the Trust’s portfolio is operated on the 1900ha effective Station, which currently operates as a semi-intensive system.

 

Te tūranga | Your Role

Tūaropaki Trust is seeking a capable and passionate Calf Rearing Team Lead to manage our large-scale calf rearing operation in Mōkai, near Taupō, for the 2025 season. This is a hands-on leadership role focused on raising high-quality dairy-beef calves and dairy replacements in a safe, efficient, and welfare-focused environment.

You’ll lead a team of five, uphold high standards of animal care and hygiene, and work closely with our dairy and station teams to ensure smooth, well-resourced operations.

 

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage a team of five (including a Senior Calf Rearer and four Calf Rearers)
• Responsible for rearing 1250 calves (900 beef and 450 dairy replacements)
• Maintain excellent calf health and welfare aligned with our animal health programme
• Implement and monitor health and safety protocols, including team inductions
• Train seasonal staff on rearing practices, hygiene routines, and safe operations
• Oversee milk mixing, feeding procedures, and shed/equipment cleanliness
• Collaborate with the Station Manager and Dairy Production Leads to assess calf suitability
• Work closely with station and dairy teams to coordinate logistics and support
• Assist in recruiting the seasonal calf rearing team

 

What We’re Looking For

• At least 3 years’ experience in a large-scale calf rearing operation (500+ calves)
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to train and manage a seasonal team
• Sound knowledge of calf health, nutrition, hygiene, and welfare best practices
• Confident decision-maker with excellent communication and organisational skills
• Health and safety awareness with a commitment to safe work environments

 

Apply Now

To apply, please send your CV and a brief cover letter to:
[email protected]
For more information, contact: Tom Warner – 022 196 7722