Drystock Farm Manager. Work, Fish, Hunt, Repeat!

In the Upper Kawhatau Valley, east of Mangaweka, lies a slice of paradise. This is an exciting opportunity for a capable and practical farming leader to step into a key role and help shape the next chapter of this impressive property.

 Kohunui is a large-scale farm of just over 809 hectares, with more than 500 hectares of effective grazing, a strong area of fertile, free-draining flats, medium hill country and supporting infrastructure, to finish 1200 – 1300 dairy beef cattle. The farm includes strong access, central cattle yards, load-out yards, silage bunkers, a woolshed, implement shed and two very good homes.

 We’re looking for a hands-on Drystock & Dairy Support Manager to lead day-to-day farming operations at Kohunui. This role will suit someone who enjoys being present on farm, takes pride in running an organised and well-presented operation, and can combine practical stockmanship with sound feed planning, seasonal thinking and disciplined execution.

 This is a role for someone who will lead from the front — setting standards, building momentum and helping establish a high-performing farming operation under new ownership.

You’ll be involved across the full farming picture, including:

• Managing livestock, feed, pasture and crop systems, including dairy support and wintering
• Overseeing animal health, stock performance and day-to-day farm execution
• Maintaining farm infrastructure, presentation and operational standards
• Supporting health, safety and environmental performance on farm, including care of the bush, river and natural surrounds
• Contributing to planning, priorities and ongoing farm improvement alongside the Trust and support team

 Given the nature of the property, we expect the successful person will bring strong practical capability in cattle systems, along with confidence managing a mixed farming operation that includes both drystock and dairy support elements. The farm has historically supported large numbers of dairy cattle and also has the scale, soils and infrastructure to support an efficient finishing system, so this role needs someone who can think ahead, adapt, and make good decisions through the seasons.

 The ideal candidate will:

• Be conscientious in both their personal standards and operational management, with a strong focus on doing the job properly from end to end
• Use time, effort and resources efficiently, with good systems, clear priorities and disciplined follow-through

• Have strong practical farming capability, particularly in animal management, stock work and farm water systems
• Be motivated by results, with the ability to work to targets, monitor performance and drive productivity improvements
• Bring a growth mindset and practical problem-solving approach, with the initiative to identify issues, support development projects and keep improving the farm over time

 If you’re the kind of person who enjoys working hard and spending your downtime hunting, fishing or getting out into the bush, this role will likely speak to you. Kohunui combines a solid farming opportunity with access to the kind of natural surrounds that are hard to beat.

 For the right person, this is a genuine opportunity to step into a significant farming role and help build something special at Kohunui.

 Take a look at the farm here: Farm Tour

For a private and confidential chat about the role, please email Nicola@No8HR.com for more information