·         Highly desirable Hawke’s Bay farming location with strong, varied contour.

·         Be the face of Moeangiangi Station and lead the new Cadet brand.

·         Unique chance to combine operational leadership with mentoring future farmers.

WHERE

The Joan Fernie Charitable Trust (JFCT) is governed by a progressive board and operates three large sheep and beef stations in Hawke’s Bay, with a portion of profits being distributed to various charitable causes throughout New Zealand. Recently, the JFCT was approached by the trustees of the Waipaoa Cadet Training Farm and they have now partnered to honour the legacy of Joan Fernie, and Waiapoa, which operated in the Gisborne district for over 17 years. With a passion for developing future talent in New Zealand’s sheep and beef industry, JFCT has established the Moeangiangi Station Cadet Training Trust (MSCTT), continuing a legacy of excellence in agricultural training.

Moeangiangi Station, a 3,609Ha coastal property 60km’s north of Napier, is a commercial sheep and beef breeding and finishing operation. It will host the new cadet programme, with the first intake of five cadets starting in January 2027 and annual intakes increasing to ten from 2028. In preparation, JFCT is investing heavily in purpose-built cadet facilities, upgraded infrastructure, and new staff housing to support a high-quality training environment.

WHAT

As the Station Manager you will oversee the implementation of Moeangiangi Station’s farm business plan, aiming to maximise profitability through stock performance and farm productivity. Reporting to the JFCT General Manager and liaising with the MSCTT board, the role also delivers practical cadet training on farm. The intention is to bring in an external tertiary provider to deliver the curriculum.

Responsibilities include managing infrastructure, livestock, and staff, while fostering a positive team culture and preparing for the 2027 cadet intake. The role may involve collaboration across JFCT’s three stations to optimise livestock and operational decisions. The ideal appointee has proven experience in business planning, financial and operational management, people leadership, asset management, and compliance/risk management.

To read more about the position and farm layout please visit – https://bit.ly/4oXjOmd

WHO

JFCT is seeking a hands-on, results-driven Station Manager with high integrity. The below are also key to success in this role:

• Confident financial capability, including budgeting, cashflow monitoring, and accurate monthly reporting.
• Proven farm management experience across livestock, pasture, and day-to-day operational planning.
• Strong leadership skills with experience managing, mentoring, and developing farm teams.
• Knowledge of farm management software is desirable and being confident interpreting data.
• Excellent communicator able to work positively with staff, contractors, suppliers, and board members.
• Highly organised and proactive, able to manage multiple priorities at one time.
• Solid understanding of H&S requirements, with the ability to lead safe practices on-farm.
• Knowledge of environmental compliance and commitment to sustainable, best-practice farming.
• Positive, reliable, and team-orientated, with a can-do attitude and high level of professionalism.
• Genuine interest in passing on knowledge and ensuring that young people reach their potential.
• Experienced horse and dog person, with a capable team of 5+ working dogs.
• Full NZ Driver’s Licence and a current NZ Firearms Licence.

WHY

• An outstanding Station Manager role on a largescale station with a real point of difference.
• Highly supportive board and leadership team there to develop and support you.
• Be the inaugural manager by attaching your brand to a new industry entity with huge exposure.
• Play a pivotal role in building on the current team with roles specific to supporting the Cadets.
• Join a farming business that still has gains to make in productivity, production and profitability.
• Highly desirable farming area with an amazing mix of contours and strong country.
• Excellent local community and a coastal property with amazing recreational opportunities.
• A competitive salary is on offer along with a work vehicle, tools of the trade, professional development, and other standard benefits relevant to a Station Manager role.
• An outstanding fully renovated homestead is provided and the property has seen significant improvement to infrastructure in a short time.

HOW

• To apply for this role, please hit the APPLY button
• For further information on this role please visit https://bit.ly/4oXjOmd
• For a confidential chat give the Rural Directions team a call on 06 871 0450

Applications close Sunday 11th January 2026

Only job seekers who have NZ working rights will be eligible for this role.