Work with us
Create a life you love with great career and lifestyle opportunities at Rakaia Island, a leading dairy farming operation in Canterbury, New Zealand. Owned by the Turner family, we pride ourselves on fostering a culture of working together, integrity and collaboration across all our farms.
We’re committed to your growth, with comprehensive training and strong support, you’ll have the opportunity to develop your skills while you work.
Join our team and become part of a shared vision rooted in family values and teamwork.
At Rakaia Island, we offer:
- Learning and career support with industry-leading practices.
- Accommodation options, including modern single quarters with shared facilities.
- On-farm training and education courses with fee reimbursement.
- Staff welfare programs emphasising psychological and physical wellbeing.
- Recreational activities and lunchtime meals provided.
- Fully funded Employee Assistance Programme and health insurance (after 3 months).
- Pastoral care support to help employees settle into work and community life.
- Social gatherings and events for staff bonding and work-life balance.
Current Vacancies
Thank you for your interest in joining our team!
View the available position below or if you wish to be considered for any other positions in the future, please send your CV and a cover letter to careers@rakaiaisland.co.nz. Your information will be kept on file, and we will contact you if a suitable role becomes available that matches your skills and experience. We are always keen to meet talented professionals who would like to join our team.
Stay connected by checking our website periodically for new job postings.
ASSISTANT FARM MANAGER, Manuka Farm
We’re looking for an Assistant Farm Manager to join our Manuka Farm team (1,050 cows, 312 ha, 54-bale rotary, pivot and solid-set irrigation) near Southbridge. You’ll work closely with the Farm Manager to lead daily operations, drive performance, and support the team’s development.
What we offer:
- A structured pathway for career progression and ongoing training
- A supportive, family-oriented culture focused on people and sustainability
- A competitive remuneration package which includes health insurance, an Employee Assistance Programme, weekday lunches, wellness assessments and flu jabs and discounted purchases.
- A tidy, well maintained three-bedroom home
- A strong emphasis on safety, wellbeing, and environmental stewardship
About you:
- Demonstrated leadership ability and a genuine interest in people development
- Solid understanding of dairy farming operations, including pasture and animal management
- Enthusiastic, proactive, and keen to keep learning and taking on responsibility
- A team player with initiative and attention to detail
- Full NZ driver’s licence and current work rights in NZ
The successful applicant will be a New Zealand citizen or someone with a current NZ work visa already living in New Zealand and has a current New Zealand full drivers’ licence. A clean drug test will be required pre-employment and random drug testing is a mandatory business policy.
A full position description for this role can be viewed HERE
To apply, email your CV and cover letter to careers@rakaiaisland.co.nz.
Applications will be reviewed as received.
