Contract Milker Opportunity, Kaikohe
Contract Milker Opportunity
Northland College Farm, Kaikohe
Are you a motivated Contract Milker or senior Farm Manager looking for a unique farming
opportunity in Northland?
Northland College Farm is seeking a Contract Milker to run their dairy unit. Located just
outside Kaikohe township, this well-established dairy farm milks 340 cows and has a
production target of 105,000 kgMS for the 2026/27 season. The successful applicant(s) will
work closely with the NC Farm Management/Governance Committee, made up of eight
experienced and successful Northland farmers and rural professionals who oversee the farm
on behalf of the College. This role offers valuable guidance, mentorship, and support from
the Committee while also providing a unique opportunity to contribute to the future of
agriculture education in Northland.
The Farm
● 186 effective hectares.
● 340 cows, full season once a day (OAD) milking.
● Approximately 85 young stock (until 1 May).
● 30-aside cowshed, Halter.
● Spring-calving system 2-3.
About the Role
This is more than a typical contract milking opportunity. Access to a broad base of
professional experience within the farm committee makes it an ideal opportunity for an
ambitious individual or couple looking to extend their career within the New Zealand dairy
industry. Current Contract milkers are progressing to their next farming step after 5 years on
farm. The farm is actively investing to improve capital assets and grow profitability with the
implementation of Halter being the most recent example.
Alongside achieving excellent farm and animal management, the successful applicant(s)
mentor and support agriculture students on-farm as part of their educational programme.
While some contact with students is an essential part of the role, the extent of educational
involvement can be tailored to the successful applicant(s) and reflected in the remuneration
package.
The role will involve:
● Managing all aspects of herd health and animal husbandry.
● Feed, pasture, and grazing management.
● Environmental and effluent management.
● Health and Safety compliance and reporting.
● Budgeting and expenditure management.
● General farm maintenance.
● Fencing and weed control.
● Record-keeping and farm administration.
● Working collaboratively with and reporting to the Farm Management Committee.
● Supporting and mentoring students in practical farm activities.
Skills and Experience Required
We are looking for applicants who:
● Have proven dairy farm management experience.
● Demonstrate animal health and stock management skills.
● Have solid pasture and feed management capabilities.
● Show good practical farm maintenance and fencing skills
● Are confident using farm technology and computer-based recording systems.
● Have sound environmental and Health and Safety knowledge.
● Possess strong communication skills.
● Are willing and able to use, or quickly learn, the Halter system.
● Enjoy working with and mentoring young people.
Accommodation
A three-bedroom home is available on-farm, with an additional studio/cabin also located on
the property. The accommodation meets Healthy Homes Standards. The farm is
conveniently located near several schooling options, including:
● Kaikohe East School (Years 1–6)
● Kaikohe Christian School (Years 1–13)
● Northland College (Secondary School)
Start Date
1 June 2027
Remuneration
A competitive contract milking package will be negotiated with the successful applicant,
including the kgMS rate and other components of the agreement.
Apply now if you are passionate about dairy farming, committed to high standards, and keen
to help develop the next generation of New Zealand farmers, we would love to hear from
you.
How to Apply
Please submit:
- A covering letter outlining your relevant experience and explaining why you are a strong fit for this role
- A current CV
- Including the names and contact phone numbers of two recent referees who can attest to your farming experience
Please note
- Referees may be contacted prior to the shortlisting process.
- Due to the volume of applications, only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.
- Applicants must hold New Zealand residency or a valid New Zealand work permit.
- For a confidential discussion or to request further information, please contact:
- Kim Robinson c/- AgFirst Northland
- Phone: 027 433 9465
- Email: northland@agfirst.co.nz
Applications for this role will take you to the advertisers site.
