Job Description
SHEPHERD GENERAL
Full-Time Permanent | Tukituki Valley, Hawke’s Bay
Karaka Farms is looking for a reliable, capable and motivated Shepherd General to join our team.
Karaka Farms is a privately owned sheep and beef farming operation located in the beautiful Tukituki Valley, approximately 20 minutes south of Havelock North.
We farm across Karaka Farm and Gumtree Gate, with an additional lease block, running approximately 3,200 breeding ewes, 600 replacement hoggets and 570 cattle, alongside our developing shedding-sheep stud.
We are looking for someone who takes pride in their work, has good stockmanship and wants to be part of a well-run, progressive farming operation.
THE ROLE
This is a varied, hands-on position working closely with our Farm Manager, Fanie Erasmus.
The role is approximately 60% stock work and 40% general farm work, with responsibilities including:
- Day-to-day sheep and cattle work
- Stock shifting, weighing and monitoring stock condition
- Working with 2–4 well-controlled working dogs
- Feeding and general animal husbandry
- Fencing and general farm maintenance
- Tractor and Can-Am operation
- Use of farm machinery and equipment
- General farm duties as required
- Weekend stock work and feeding duties on a shared roster
Normal working hours are generally Monday to Friday, 7:30am–4:30pm, although hours will vary depending on the season and farming requirements.
Weekend duties are shared between the Shepherd General and Farm Manager on an alternating roster. This generally involves a minimum of approximately two hours per day for feeding out, stock shifts or other essential stock work.
WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR
Ideally, you will have at least three years' experience in sheep and beef farming and be confident working with stock and dogs. However, we are also open to considering a younger person who has a good foundation of experience, the right attitude and a genuine desire to learn, develop and build a career in farming.
Most importantly, we are looking for someone who is:
- Loyal
- Trustworthy
- Capable and practical
- Self-motivated
- Forward-thinking
- A good communicator
- Confident working independently
- Able to use initiative and get on with the job
- Committed to good stockmanship and animal welfare
- Willing to learn and take on new skills
- Someone who takes pride in doing a job properly
You will need a good level of competence around stock, working dogs, fencing and general farm machinery.
A current restricted or full driver's licence is required
OUR FARM
Karaka Farms consists of two main properties approximately 5km apart in the Tukituki Valley.
The farms are easy to rolling contour, well subdivided and have a mix of conventional and electric fencing, with laneways providing good access for stock movement and farm operations.
Our farming system is semi-intensive, with a strong focus on good stock performance, animal health and practical farm management.
We have also been developing our farming system around regenerative farming principles, with ongoing agricultural and environmental development across the properties.
An exciting part of the business is the development of our shedding-sheep stud, which is adding another dimension to the farming operation.
WHAT WE CAN OFFER
- Full-time permanent position
- A warm, modern 2.5-bedroom home on farm
- Attractive rural location in the Tukituki Valley
- A varied role across sheep, cattle and general farm work
- Good farm infrastructure and machinery
- A small team environment
- Opportunity to learn and develop your farming skills
- A progressive farm with an interest in regenerative agriculture and shedding sheep
The accommodation may suit a small family, pets negotiable.
Havelock North and Hastings are approximately 20 minutes away, with Napier around 30 minutes away. The area offers excellent outdoor and recreational opportunities, including beaches, swimming, fishing, walking and local sporting activities.
THE PERSON
This is a position where attitude matters.
We are looking for someone who can be trusted to get on with the job, look after the stock and equipment as if it were their own, and communicate well with Fanie and the wider team.
You need to be someone who sees what needs doing and gets stuck in — not someone who needs to be told every step.
A genuine interest in farming, a willingness to learn and a good work ethic are important to us.
HOW TO APPLY
If you think this sounds like you, we'd love to hear from you.
Please send through your CV and Cover letter with a brief introduction about yourself, your farming experience, your working dogs and why you think this role would be a good fit for you.
This role is only open to those with valid working visas within New Zealand.
Applications can be sent to Fanie Erasmus - karakafarms@yahoo.com
Please include Shepherd General – Karaka Farms in the subject line
Applications close: 9 November 2026
Gallery
Karaka Farms is a progressive sheep and beef farming operation in Hawkes Bay, built on passion for quality livestock, strong stockmanship and sustainable farming practices.
Our farming philosophy is centred on breeding high-quality livestock that performs in the commercial market, while maintaining a strong focus on animal welfare, environmental stewardship and regenerative farming.
Our operation includes SheepMaster and Brings breeding programmes, reflecting our commitment to producing productive, resilient and high performing livestock.
At Karaka Farms, we value integrity, hard work, teamwork and genuine respect for the land and animals in our care. We are continually looking for ways to improve our farming systems while building a positive and capable team around us.