Experienced Dairy Assistant | Split Calving Farm | Southland

Looking for a dairy role where the systems are well organised, the equipment is modern and your hard work is genuinely supported?

This is an excellent opportunity to join a family-owned and operated dairy farm near Gore, offering a minimum six-month commitment, excellent pay and a well-balanced roster.

Milking 600 cows across 400 hectares, the farm operates a 40-aside herringbone shed fitted with ACRs, Protrack and automatic teat spraying. The herd follows a split-calving system, with approximately 400 Friesian cows calving during August and September, followed by a further 200 cows calving during February and March.

This is a year-round dairy operation, milking twice a day throughout the year.

The farm is well staffed and structured to support annual leave and sick days, helping create a sustainable and supportive workplace. The operation is fully self-contained, with two nearby run-off blocks and a 550-cow wintering barn. Cows are monitored using Halter technology, supporting proactive animal management and modern farming practices.

You'll be working alongside the on-farm management team in a practical, family-run environment where good communication, reliable people and quality farming are genuinely valued.

And when you're off the clock? Gore is just a short drive away, while Southland offers plenty of opportunities to get out and explore. Lakes, rivers, hiking, fishing, hunting and some of New Zealand's most spectacular landscapes are all part of the lifestyle. Better yet, a car is available for your personal use — because there is more to life than just the milking shed!

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‍Details:‍

• Start date: 4 October 2026
• Minimum 6-month commitment
• Herd size: 600 cows
• Farm size: 400 hectares
• Location: Near Gore, Southland
• Gore township: Approximately 16km / 12 minutes from the farm
• Wage: $29 per hour
• Roster: 11 days on / 3 days off
• Accommodation: 2-bedroom on-farm cottage
• Accommodation package valued at $170 per week
• Power and internet included
• Car available for personal use

Farm Systems & Equipment:‍

• 40-aside herringbone shed
• ACRs
• Protrack
• Automatic teat spraying
• Halter technology for cow monitoring
• 550-cow wintering barn
• BVL mixer wagon
• 3 x John Deere tractors
• 1 x Claas tractor
• JCB
• 5 x four-wheel bikes
• 6 x two-wheelers
• 2 nearby run-off blocks
• On-site effluent management
• All silage cut in-house
• 3 tractor mowers, including side and front mowers

What You Will Be Doing:‍

• Milking 600 cows through the 40-aside herringbone shed
• Assisting with the split-calving system
• Supporting animal health and monitoring cows using Halter technology
• Feeding out and supporting the wintering barn operation
• General farm duties, including stock movement and shed hygiene
• Tractor and machinery operation
• Assisting with silage and other seasonal farm operations
• Supporting the wider team with day-to-day farm requirements
• Maintaining high standards of animal welfare, presentation and safe work practices

What We Require:‍

• Previous dairy farming experience is essential
• Confident and experienced milking in a herringbone shed
• Previous tractor operation experience is essential
• Good stock sense and animal handling skills
• Comfortable working with modern dairy technology and farm systems
• Good English communication skills
• Reliable, motivated and practical
• Ability to work well as part of a team
• Willingness to commit to a minimum six-month assignment
• Legal right to work in New Zealand
• AEWV sponsorship is not available

What's in it for you?‍

• Excellent pay at $29 per hour
• Accommodation provided in a 2-bedroom on-farm cottage
• Power and internet included
• Car available for personal use
• Great 11/3 roster
• Minimum six-month opportunity with stable, year-round work
• Modern dairy technology, including Halter monitoring
• Opportunity to work with a wide range of modern machinery and equipment
• Well-structured farm with staffing in place to support annual leave and sick days
• Supportive family-owned and operated farming environment
• Gore township only 12 minutes away
• Explore the lakes, rivers, mountains and outdoor lifestyle that Southland is famous for on your days off

This is a great opportunity for an experienced dairy farmer who enjoys working with modern systems, quality machinery and a team that takes pride in running a well-organised operation. If you're ready for a role where the work is varied, the lifestyle is genuine and your days off can be spent exploring a pretty impressive part of New Zealand, this could be the one.

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