The vast livestock farming sector in New Zealand is always in need of qualified personnel, and there are now three main positions available for those working in the field. To put it another way, your duties as a Dairy Farm Assistant include everything listed in the first two job descriptions. Among the duties are providing normal farm maintenance, feeding animals, keeping an eye on their health, and supporting breeding initiatives.
There are country-specific restrictions for acquiring a work permit or a seasonal worker visa, even if an employment at Ngai Tahu may not require special training or skills. See the accompanying post for detailed information on Livestock Farm Worker Jobs in New Zealand, including permanent positions, benefits, and sponsorship for visas.
Understanding the New Zealand Livestock Farming Landscape:
Working on cattle farms in New Zealand usually does not require a formal degree. Nonetheless, a strong work ethic, suitable experience, and a sincere love of dealing with animals are highly regarded. Recognizing the Livestock Farming Environment in New Zealand. In New Zealand, those who work on livestock farms play a crucial part in the welfare and operation of these industries.
Key Points:
- Job Country: New Zealand
- Industry: Farm/Agriculture
- Job Type: Livestock Farm Worker
- Minimum Experience Required: No specific minimum experience required
- Education Required: Basic English proficiency
- Age Limit: No specified age limit
- Visa: Sponsorship available
- Relocation: Yes, relocation assistance provided
- Accommodation: Assisted accommodation support
- Employment Term: Temporary and Full-Time (Subject to Visa Extension)
- Salary Hourly: $18-$23 per hour, depending upon experience
Check More: Receptionist Jobs in New Zealand with Visa Sponsorship
Job Requirements:
- Constantly willing to learn and get better.
- Shows a deep commitment to their task.
- Enjoys gardening, especially the scientific parts of it.
- I’m eager to take part in regenerative farming testing and reviews.
- Thrives in social situations.
- Driven by the team’s success as well as individual accomplishments.
- Aspires to become knowledgeable about and integrate Māori tikanga and te reo into everyday activities.
- Supports extensive pre-employment screenings, such as drug and alcohol testing.
Duties of a Livestock Farmer:
- Supplying feed and fields to sustain ideal nutrient levels.
- Animals are moved carefully to optimize feeding possibilities.
- Arranging and carrying out agricultural chores like catching, soaking, and milking animals.
- Keeping equipment clean and overseeing the collection, sorting, and packaging of food.
- Keeping cages, sheds, and pens in good condition.
- Watering, controlling weeds and pests, and cultivating animal feed.
Benefits of Jobs:
- Competitive Salary Packages With Overtime and Seasonal Bonuses: Livestock farmers in New Zealand can earn NZD $25–$35 per hour, with additional earnings during peak farming seasons and overtime hours.
- Visa Sponsorship Available for International Farm Workers: Many dairy and livestock farms sponsor foreign workers under the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV), allowing legal employment.
- Pathway to Permanent Residency Through Rural Work Experience: Farmworkers can apply for PR through New Zealand’s Green List or Rural Work-to-Residence pathways after gaining qualifying experience.
- Free Accommodation or Housing Subsidies Provided by Employers: Most livestock farms offer on-site housing or rental support to help reduce living costs in rural areas.
- Access to New Zealand’s Public Healthcare System for Visa Holders: Once employed and registered, workers become eligible for subsidized healthcare, including hospital visits and medical checkups.
- No University Degree Required— Experience and Physical Fitness are valued. Most livestock farming jobs only require a strong work ethic, basic English, and a willingness to work outdoors.
- Work in a Safe, Scenic, and Environmentally Clean Country: New Zealand is known for its fresh air, beautiful landscapes, and high safety standards—perfect for outdoor agricultural work.
- Guaranteed Paid Leave, Sick Leave, and Public Holiday Pay: Workers are entitled to at least 4 weeks of annual leave, paid sick days, and additional pay for working on public holidays.
- Opportunities to Work With Modern Farming Equipment and Practices: New Zealand farms use advanced tools and technologies, giving workers valuable experience in global agricultural standards.
- Multicultural Workforce With Strong Community Support: Farms employ workers from the Philippines, India, Fiji, and other countries, offering a diverse and supportive team environment.
- Training Provided in Livestock Handling, Animal Welfare, and Safety: Employers offer on-the-job training in livestock care, health monitoring, feeding, and safety protocols.
- Chance to Settle in Beautiful Rural Towns With Low Living Costs: Unlike big cities, rural New Zealand offers affordable housing, peaceful surroundings, and family-friendly communities.
- Spouse and Children Can Join You With Work and Study Rights: Family members can accompany sponsored workers, gaining access to free public schooling and work opportunities.
- Clear Career Progression Into Supervisor or Farm Manager Roles: With experience, workers can move into leadership roles, earn higher pay, and manage herds or teams.
- Live and Work in One of the World’s Most Livable and Immigrant-Friendly Countries: New Zealand ranks high in quality of life, openness to migrants, and worker protections—making it ideal for foreign farmworkers.
Who Can Apply?
Applicants must be nationals of the following nations in order to be granted a Recognized Seasonal Employer Limited visa:
- Pakistan
- India
- Nigeria
- Ghana
- South Africa
- Fiji
- Kiribati
- Nauru
- Palau
- Papua New Guinea
- Republic of Marshall Islands
- Federated States of Micronesia
- Samoa
- Solomon Islands
- Tonga
How to Apply for Livestock Farmer Jobs in New Zealand?
Take advantage of the chance to work on an animal farm in New Zealand and embrace your love of farming. Given the possibility of obtaining a sponsored visa and the booming agricultural industry in the nation, this is a dream come true for many. Now is the time to start down the path to this wonderful employment opportunity!
Frequently Asked Questions:
What are the main duties of a livestock farmer in New Zealand?
Tasks include feeding animals, cleaning shelters, monitoring health, and assisting with breeding or milking.
Can foreigners apply for livestock farming jobs in New Zealand?
Yes, many farms hire foreign workers under seasonal or long-term work visas with visa sponsorship.
What is the average pay for livestock farmer jobs?
Salaries usually range from NZD $23 to $28 per hour, depending on experience and location.
