Dairy Assistant | Hokitika, West Coast

Fancy swapping the city for wide-open spaces, fresh West Coast air and some of the most spectacular scenery New Zealand has to offer?

Located approximately 20km from Hokitika, this is an opportunity to experience genuine rural New Zealand life while working on a large, modern dairy farm. The farm milks 1,500 cows across 817 hectares and operates two 50-bale rotary sheds, with modern technology including ACRs, Protrack and Allflex collars.

You'll be part of a busy but well-equipped operation, working a 6 days on / 2 days off roster and averaging around 45 hours per week. When you're not working, you'll have plenty of opportunity to explore what makes the West Coast special — from rugged beaches and native bush to rivers, mountains and some seriously impressive sunsets.

This is a casual 3-month assignment for one person, starting around 7 September 2026, with a 3-bedroom house available for just $100 per week.

‍Details:‍

• Casual position
• 3-month assignment
• Start date: Around 7 September 2026
• 1 person required
• Herd size: 1,500 cows
• Farm size: 817 hectares
• Location: Approximately 20km from Hokitika
• Wage: $27 per hour
• Average hours: Approximately 45 hours per week
• Roster: 6 days on / 2 days off
• Accommodation: 3-bedroom house available for $100 per week

Farm Systems & Equipment:‍

• 2 x 50-bale rotary sheds
• ACRs
• Protrack
• Allflex collars
• 2-wheelers
• Quad bikes
• Side-by-sides

Tasks:‍

• Milking and daily shed operations
• Animal health and stock management
• Feeding and general dairy farm duties
• Supporting the team with day-to-day farm operations
• Operating farm vehicles and equipment as required
• General farm maintenance
• Maintaining high standards of animal care and farm presentation
• Assisting with seasonal farm work as required

Requirements:‍

• Previous dairy farming experience preferred
• Good stock sense and animal handling skills
• Reliable, hardworking and happy to get stuck in
• Comfortable working on a large-scale dairy operation
• Good communication and teamwork skills
• Ability to work the 6/2 roster
• Legal right to work in New Zealand

What's in it for you?‍

• $27 per hour with approximately 45 hours per week
• Comfortable 3-bedroom accommodation for just $100 per week
• A regular 6/2 roster giving you plenty of time to explore
• Experience working on a large-scale, technology-focused dairy farm
• Live amongst the incredible landscapes of the West Coast
• Easy access to Hokitika and its beaches, rivers, bush and outdoor adventures
• A chance to experience the real New Zealand — fresh air, open farmland, big skies and plenty of space to breathe
• A great short-term opportunity for someone wanting to combine work with an unforgettable West Coast experience

‍Apply online TODAY and drive your Dairy career with The Max Team!‍

‍Why Choose Max People?

‍Max People is a trusted recruitment partner with 15+ years' experience connecting great people with great workplaces. What started in construction has grown into one of the country's leading labour-hire and recruitment providers across construction, civil, agriculture, dairy, manufacturing, and logistics.

When you join Max People, you're backed by a team that lives its values: Passion, Empathy, Optimism, Professionalism, Loyalty, and Empowerment. We're here to support your journey, champion your growth, and help you build a future you're excited about.