Dairy
The first dairy cows arrived in New Zealand in 1814 and by 2020 the dairy cow population was over 6 million with over 21 billion litres of milk processed each season. Around 40% of dairy cows are in the South Island.
Locations
Dairy farming jobs can be found in rural and regional areas of the West Coast and Tasman. Working on farm involves caring for and milking cows, tractor and machinery operation and other general farming tasks.
Dairy product manufacturing roles are also available with a large producer based in Hokitika and other small speciality suppliers across the region.
Learn more about the roles
Milking, Processing
During peak milking season cows are milked once or twice a day. This is also peak processing time at the dairy companies where milk is converted into products like cheese, butter, yoghurt and milk powder. You’ll find roles ranging from factory work and machinery operation to administration and management.
Calving
Dairy farms need additional labour for calving (birth of the calves) and calf rearing to ensure the animals are well-fed and healthy.
Calving, Milking, Processing
This will be the busiest time in the dairy world. Dairy farms need additional labour for calving (birth of the calves) and calf rearing; cows are milked once or twice a day and this is peak processing time at the dairy companies.
Plan Your Next Step
Come and see what our industry has to offer and plan an employment and training path.
For Employers
If your work is coming to an end and you are interested in seasonal workforce redeployment please contact:
Top of the South Early Response Team: totsearlyresponse@msd.govt.nz