Our people, our pride
At peak calving Rakaia Island employs up to 38 people, with a team of 26 working throughout the rest of the season. Our team comes from all over the world, bringing a diverse range of experience, background and culture; everyone is given equal opportunities to grow and succeed at every level of the business. We also work closely with our contract milkers, who manage two of our farms – Willow and Harakeke employing 12 people across both.
We take pride in being an employer of choice, thanks to our strong team culture, core values, and strong support system that provides clear career pathways. We believe in investing in our people, celebrating their successes, and encouraging everyone to “have a go.” Their achievements are a reflection of our commitment to fostering growth and opportunity within the business.
Rewarding excellence
The annual Rakaia Island Supreme Excellence (R.I.S.E) Awards, which started in 2017, are our way of recognising the hard work and dedication of our team throughout the season. It’s a chance to celebrate the outstanding achievements of our people. There are several awards up for grabs, both individual and team honours, including the Rising Star Award, Farm Pride, the Health & Safety Ambassador award, and more. We also honour long service, recognising those who’ve been with us for 5, 10, and 15 years and more. Prizes are sponsored by our key suppliers, with gifts and vouchers awarded. Every employee, along with their partners, is invited to attend.
Alongside the R.I.S.E Awards, we mark other milestones throughout the year, like celebrating the end of calving, and host a big family-oriented Christmas party for all employees and their families. Another favourite event is our annual table tennis competition, where teams battle it out for the “The Caleb Trophy”, named after the employee who started the tradition. It’s a fun, social evening that everyone looks forward to.
Ensuring environmental stewardship
When we purchased Rakaia Island, we became stewards of the largest Kowhai stand on the flatlands of the South Island. We’re proud to protect this natural legacy and care deeply for every part of our environment.
As responsible farmers, we understand the importance of nurturing our land – not just for today, but for future generations who will live and work here. We understand how rare it is to have the chance to restore indigenous vegetation, and we take that responsibility to heart.
That’s why we’ve launched several projects to improve our environment, from planting native species around our wetlands to fencing off key areas for protection. Our boundary fences are set well back from waterways to prevent pollution, showing our commitment to water quality. We regularly test water samples and use moisture probes to ensure we’re using water responsibly. We’re also focused on preserving wetlands, managing weeds, and running a strict pest control program to protect native plantings. Recently Environment Canterbury awarded Rakaia Island an A-Grade for our environmental efforts, recognising our dedication to sustainability.
Taking pride in our animals
Our animals are at the heart of our business, so it’s essential that we care for them throughout their lives, from birth to their time on our farms. We make sure they have access to quality food, proper shelter, and are handled with care. Raising content, healthy cows is second nature to us – it’s part of who we are and how we operate. This commitment comes from our genuine care for the animals we breed. We take our responsibility seriously, treating them with respect and care that goes beyond what’s required by regulations and industry standards.
