Dairy Farm Jobs and Placements in NZ

Why choose Max People?

Trusted experts: Max People has over 15 years’ experience managing placements for Irish students and workers. They work closely with top agricultural colleges in Ireland and the UK to ensure placements meet high standards of care and compliance.
Fully supported: From visa assistance to airport pickup, banking setup, and ongoing pastoral care, Max People take care of all the details so you can focus on gaining valuable experience.
Quality farms & safe workplaces: All placements are on farms with proven records in employment standards, health, and safety and hosting international workers.
Work and learn: Work alongside experienced farmers, earn a competitive wage, and bring home new skills and a fresh perspective that will stand out on your CV.
Adventure awaits: Enjoy New Zealand’s incredible scenery and lifestyle on your days off—whether it’s mountains, lakes, or vibrant rural communities.

The programme

College Placements typically run January – June to align with the academic placement year and then again July to December, aligning with New Zealand’s busy calving and milking season. Most placements are 6 - 12 months, but longer options are available.

You’ll gain hands-on experience in:

Calving, milking, and animal health
Operating farm machinery and irrigation systems
Day-to-day farm operations on herds ranging from 600 to 2,000 cows

Apply Today

General Minimum Requirements

To be eligible for the New Zealand–Ireland Dairy Exchange Programme, applicants must:

Be a minimum of 18 years old.
Have at least 12 months experience either dairy or drystock
Meet Immigration New Zealand’s visa requirements for the Working Holiday Visa.

Have no previous criminal convictions.
Hold a full driver’s licence.

Process

Once we receive your application, a Max People representative will be in touch to guide you through the next steps.

You’ll be invited to an initial interview by video call.
In some cases, you may also have a follow-up interview with a host farmer before your placement is confirmed.

Our team will then work with you on the details — including farm placement, visa guidance, travel planning, and pastoral support.
We aim to confirm your suitability as quickly as possible and will keep you updated at every stage.
At Max People, we make the process straightforward and fully supported — so you can focus on getting ready for the adventure of a lifetime.

Optional Full Support Package Available

(Recommended for first-time travellers and student placements)

For participants who would like full support with their transition to New Zealand, Max People offers an optional full arrival and placement package, designed to make the process as smooth and stress-free as possible.

This can include:
✔️ Working Holiday Visa*
✔️ Airport pick-up on arrival*
✔️ 1st night accommodation in Christchurch*
✔️ Lunch on induction day*

✔️Placement on a fully vetted dairy farm
✔️ Orientation & induction (including health & safety)

✔️Airport pickup and local orientation
✔️ Help setting up bank accounts, IRD tax numbers, and phones

✔️ Transfer to your farm
✔️ Ongoing support throughout your stay, including farm visits

✔️ Regular social events with other Irish workers in New Zealand
✔️ Coordination of placement reports

*Additional fees apply for this, which is cost recovery. For full details or to discuss what level of support is right for you, please get in touch.

At Max People, our goal is to make the process as simple, transparent, and supported as possible — so you can focus on preparing for your New Zealand farming adventure.

Employment

Max People has strong, trusted relationships with dairy employers in New Zealand. As part of our 24 hour pastoral care commitment, every host farm is carefully vetted to ensure they meet high standards of employment, health and safety, and worker wellbeing.

Our employer checklist includes:

Demonstrating good workplace practices and a proven history of compliance with all immigration and employment laws
Meeting requirements under key legislation, including the Health and Safety at Work Act, Employment Relations Act, Minimum Wage Act, and relevant leave entitlements
Only employing workers with the legal right to work in New Zealand

Providing safe, quality on farm accommodation that meets Max People’s high standards

Max People carries out ongoing farm visits to ensure compliance is maintained and to provide continued support for both our workers and our host farmers.

At Max People, we don’t just place you in a job — we make sure you’re in a safe, fair, and supportive environment where you can thrive.

Learning on Farm

At Max People, we believe the best training comes from hands on experience. While on your placement, you’ll work alongside experienced farmers and gain real world skills that will strengthen your farming career.

You’ll be exposed to a variety of daily farm operations that reflect the seasonality of the dairy industry, including:

Milking and milk quality practices
Calf rearing and housing
Animal health and welfare

Pasture management and feed budgets
Farm maintenance and machinery use
Effluent and irrigation systems

Working safely with tractors, quads, and farm equipment

Every day on the farm is an opportunity to build your skills, grow your confidence, and learn the practical systems that keep New Zealand dairying world class.

With Max People’s ongoing pastoral care and regular farm visits, you’ll always have support while you learn and contribute to your host farm.

Our programs are even being highlighted internationally, with platforms like Agriland and Leinster Express. encouraging students to consider dairy farming opportunities here

Ready to Join Our Team? Apply Now!

If you're prepared to kickstart an exciting journey with Max People, we're here to welcome you into our dynamic team at Max People.

Minimum requirements

18 years old
Eligible for a Working Holiday Visa
Full car licence
Clean criminal record
Commitment to a minimum of 16-week placement

Click the link below to apply directly and upload the cover letter and resume.
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Real Success Stories

Trina was amazing! She was so nice and helpful. She didn't give up on finding us a farm even when the first 2 didn't work out. She has found us a really great farm to work for that we both really enjoy. Thank you so much, Trina for everything!

Austin and Hannah

Trina was great in helping to organise everything and gave me so much reassurance and support when undertaking such a big move.

Becky

Very clear and good communication. Quickly set me up with work for very nice employers. She negotiated the wage and living arrangements at the farm for me. She listened to my wishes regarding the type of employment that I was looking for. Would absolutely recommend it!

Daniel

Helped me every step of the way; they were definitely friendly and caring people!

William

Highly recommend, very helpful - Help us settle in and get the hang of things.

Enda Hughes

Working along with MaxPeople made the process of coming over much easier, as everything was well-regimented and organised for me coming over. I would highly encourage for every student to participate in a placement abroad and engage in the opportunity to see the world.

Meabh Mulholland

Farm the world. Grow your future. Live your dream