Job Description
Shepherd General – Pukeroa Station
Tiraumea, Northern Wairarapa
Pukeroa Station is seeking a capable and motivated Shepherd General to join our team on a fourth-generation, family-owned sheep and beef property.
The farm covers approximately 1,400 effective hectares and runs 4,350 breeding ewes and 350 breeding cows across a mix of flat land, easy rolling country and steeper hill country.
Alongside livestock and wool, the wider business includes mānuka honey production, native and exotic forestry, and an on-farm backpackers lodge. Seasonal workers and lodge guests create a social and varied environment, helping remove the isolation often associated with remote farming roles.
Pukeroa Station is located approximately 45 minutes from Pahiatua and 20 minutes from Pongaroa, where there is an active Young Farmers club and a strong rural community. The nearest primary school is Alfredton School, with the school bus stopping approximately five minutes from the farm accommodation.
The role
Working alongside the farm owner and other staff, you will be involved in all aspects of the farming operation, including:
- Mustering and stock movements
- Sheep and cattle husbandry
- Lambing and calving
- Drenching, drafting, weighing and animal health work
- Fencing and water-system maintenance
- Weed and pest control
- Tractor, machinery and general maintenance work
- Assisting with shearing and other seasonal activities
This is a genuine Shepherd General role, so applicants must be willing to contribute across the whole farm rather than focus solely on stock work.
About you
The ideal applicant will have:
- Previous sheep and beef farming experience
- Good stockmanship and animal-observation skills
- Approximately 3–5 trained working dogs
- The initiative and ability to work independently and as part of a team
- A practical attitude and strong work ethic
- Good communication skills
- A full New Zealand driver licence
- The legal right to work in New Zealand
Handpiece, fencing, tractor and maintenance experience would be an advantage, but training can be provided for the right person. Attitude, reliability and willingness to learn are equally important.
What we offer
- Competitive remuneration, negotiable based on experience and capability
- A cosy three-bedroom Lockwood home
- Home-kill meat, dog food and veterinary assistance
- A collaborative and supportive team environment
- On-the-job training and career progression
- Exposure to a diverse rural business across livestock, wool, honey, forestry and tourism
This role would suit either an experienced Shepherd General looking for a long-term opportunity or a developing shepherd with established dogs and a strong farming foundation.
To apply, please send your CV, a brief cover letter and contact details for two work-related referees to:
Douglas & Dara Robbie
dcrobbie@xtra.co.nz
Gallery
Pukeroa Station
Tiraumea, Northern Wairarapa
Pukeroa Station is a a fourth-generation, family-owned sheep and beef property.
The farm covers approximately 1,400 effective hectares and runs 4,350 breeding ewes and 350 breeding cows across a mix of flat land, easy rolling country and steeper hill country.
Alongside livestock and wool, the wider business includes mānuka honey production, native and exotic forestry, and an on-farm backpackers lodge. Seasonal workers and lodge guests create a social and varied environment, helping remove the isolation often associated with remote farming roles.
Pukeroa Station is located approximately 45 minutes from Pahiatua and 20 minutes from Pongaroa, where there is an active Young Farmers club and a strong rural community.
Douglas & Dara Robbie
dcrobbie@xtra.co.nz