Head 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 a Head Calf Rearer to join Tūaropaki Dairy for the 2026 calving season, starting early July 2026 through to late December 2026.

In this role, you will lead the calf rearing operation, with responsibility for rearing approximately 500 dairy replacement calves on site through the season. You will also oversee 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 Head Calf Rearer, you will oversee all aspects of the calf rearing operation, including leading the calf rearing team, coordinating feeding and daily care, maintaining high standards of animal health, hygiene, and welfare, ensuring strong Health and Safety practices, and working closely with the dairy and station teams to support a safe and efficient operation.

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
• Follow instructions accurately and reliably.

What You’ll Bring:

• Full Class 1 drivers licence
• 3+ years experience in a large scale calf rearing operation preferred
• Side by Side experience essential
• Tractor driving experience preferred
• Strong leadership skills
• Sound 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 with the ability to work well alongside others and lead by example.

This role includes a bonus incentive as part of the package, subject to specific terms and milestone achievement.

Note that this position is a 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?

For more information about the role, please contact Layla Steigenberger at [email protected] or on 027 228 1053.

Applications close 5 pm 10 April.