• Enjoy the lifestyle and community of Tikokino, Hawke’s Bay.
• Help train and mentor the next generation of New Zealand farmers.
• Work in a business with strong systems and well-established processes.

Your Future Workplace

Established through a bequest from Josiah Howard in 1919, Smedley Station was gifted to the Crown to operate as a commercial farming enterprise while providing practical farming training for young people. Today, Smedley is recognised as a leading training farm focused on developing the next generation of skilled farmers.

The station is administered by the Public Trust, with guidance from the Howard Estate Advisory Board on farming operations and the cadet training programme. Located in Tikokino, Central Hawke’s Bay, Smedley spans 5,600ha (3,400ha effective), winters approximately 30,000 stock units, and is operated as a high-performing commercial farming business. The property consists of four blocks: Smedley, Parks Peak, Onepoto, and Ridgelands, with dedicated Block Managers overseeing three of these blocks.

Your Role

As the Fencer, you will be responsible for delivering high-quality new fencing and repairs and maintenance across four farming properties, covering both conventional and deer fencing. You'll also carry out yard repairs and work closely with the Station Manager to plan, organise, measure, quote, and budget fencing projects. This is a hands-on role that requires initiative, strong planning skills, and the ability to work independently while contributing to a wider farm team.

A key part of the role is supporting the development of the station's cadets by sharing your fencing knowledge and providing practical training and guidance. You'll use FarmIQ for farm management and reporting, maintain a strong commitment to health and safety, and assist with general stock work during busy periods such as docking, making you an important member of the wider farming operation.

What You’ll Bring:

• Sound knowledge of fencing, new and R&M including conventional, electrics and deer, this includes yard maintenance.
• Able to operate machinery confidently, including post rammer.
• Sound computer literacy skills with some knowledge of Farm IQ preferred, but not essential (however incumbent will be required to learn and use the program).
• Excellent communication and interpersonal relationship skills with the ability to relate to a wide range of people.
• Self-motivated and punctual with the ability to set priorities and meet deadlines.
• Flexible and adaptable and prepared to go the extra mile.
• Physically fit and active.
• Ability to mentor young cadets in a positive and proactive way, whilst also having the ability to work alone and in a large team environment.

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

Why You’ll Love This Job

• Opportunity to join a well-established, farming business with strong systems and scale.
• Hands-on, varied role with responsibility within your role and to support the business within general farm operations.
• Ability to work across multiple properties within the wider farming operation.
• Access to well-equipped farms and modern farm machinery and infrastructure.
• Take the chance to guide and train the next generation of farmers.
• Opportunity to support the cadets with their fencing and general skills.
• Lifestyle benefits of a rural setting with access to hunting, tramping, and outdoor recreation.
• Stable, long-term employment within a reputable and established farming business.
• Accommodation is a 3 bedroom home located on the station.
• Tikokino offers a strong rural community with a local school, kindergarten, café, and rugby club, while being conveniently located just 25 minutes from Waipukurau and 40 minutes from Hastings and Napier.

Hit APPLY, check https://bit.ly/4hPjkOY for more info, or call Rural Directions on 06 871 0450.

Applications close Sunday 30th August 2026

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