Job Description
Waikura Limited is an established and progressive company located in the Waikura Valley, East Coast. The property is made up of five stations, Mohau, Rewetu, Waikura, Pakira and Te Kumi. All five stations are run as one farming unit, in total covering over 10,000ha with 2,800ha effective farm land and the remainder is a mixture of pine trees, manuka plantations, native bush and retired land. The stations have a mix of contour made up mostly of steep hill country and rolling hills with a small amount of flats. The farm has a focus on maintaining high quality maternal animals that do well on hill country and produce good offspring each year. Alongside the farming division Waikura Limited has a roading operation, forestry and also a Manuka oil and natural products division operating out of the Waikura Valley.
The properties have undergone significant infrastructure improvement in the last 4-5 years including 3 new sets of cattle yards, this is in conjunction with new fencing projects throughout the properties to enable stock to be contained and shifted with structure. We have also put in 2 new sets of sheep yards recently. The company is committed to ongoing fencing and infrastructure improvements. We are in the process of installing Halter collars to the cows.
As part of the Waikura Group, the company seeks a Shepherd who will report direct to the Farm Division Manager and will work alongside the farm team made up of a 2IC, 2 Shepherds and 1 fencer/general aswell as seasonal casual staff as required.
The Waikura Valley is a memorable place rich in history and potential, this is a rare opportunity to take a leap in your career working on such an iconic station. The position has become available due to current Shepherd being offered a managerial role with another company.
Waikura offers strong horse and dog work aswell as providing further educational training to help push you along in your career. This could be the stepping stone you have been looking for! All you need is:
- Capable team of dogs
- Ability to muster on horse back. Own horse preferred.
- Good Mustering ability, we have mobs of 5000+ ewes at a time on hill country.
- Ability to work well as a team
- General skills required but not limited to; shearing stragglers, repair fencing, water fixes etc. This work would make up around 10% of your role but essential to the wider team.
Stocking Policy:
- 9,500 in lamb ewes
- 3,000 replacement hoggets, mated
- 1,050 in calf Mixed age angus cows
- 230 in calf R2 angus heifers
- 300 R1 angus heifers, mated
- 900 R1 trade cattle
All lambs are weaned early December and sold at the annual on farm sale. Last year we sold 11,000 freshly weaned lambs at the sale. We also sell the trade cattle at the sale, last year selling 750 head, the biggest on farm sale in New Zealand.
Whats on offer:
- Recently renovated 3 bedroom home with free standing log fire. Includes new dog kennels with covered roof.
- Attractive remuneration package to suit experience, annual performance reviews with bonus incentives.
- The area offers great recreational activities including hunting, fishing and tramping.
- A strong rural community within and surrounding the valley. With strong local rugby clubs.
- School bus comes 5 minutes down the road.
- Further education and training is well supported and encouraged by the company.
- Position could suit a couple for the right applicants
If this interests you please provide a cover letter and CV to sean@waikura.co.nz for any further information please call Sean 027 899 4397
Gallery
Waikura Limited is an established and progressive company located in the Waikura Valley, East Coast. The property is made up of five stations, Mohau, Rewetu, Waikura, Pakira and Te Kumi. All five stations are run as one farming unit, in total covering over 10,000ha with 2,800ha effective farm land and the remainder is a mixture of pine trees, manuka plantations, native bush and retired land.