Drystock Farm Manager

Only 1 Hour South-East of Auckland | Nesley Farm

Location: 1 hour south-east of Auckland | 30 minutes from Thames & Pukekohe
Farm: 600ha sheep & beef property backing onto the Hunua Ranges
Accommodation: Newly renovated 3-bedroom family home provided

The Opportunity

Are you an experienced Senior Stock Manager ready to take the next step into a Farm Manager role?

Or perhaps you are already an experienced Farm Manager looking for a unique property where you can have genuine input into the future direction of the farm?

Nesley Farm offers an outstanding opportunity to join a special, long-established family farming operation just one hour from Auckland.

Set amongst stunning rolling country backing onto the Hunua Ranges, Nesley Farm is a 600ha property with breathtaking views towards the Coromandel Peninsula. The property includes approximately 40 ha of post-and-rail horse paddocks, 48ha of native bush and 80ha of Radiata Pine, and has conservatively run around 120 ewes and 380 cattle previously.

The farm has been owned and operated by the same hands-on farming family for 62 years. With the current owner approaching retirement, the family is committed to retaining ownership of this exceptional property and is looking for the right person to take responsibility for the day-to-day management and future development of the farm.

This is an opportunity to become an important part of a long-term farming operation, working closely with the owners and having the freedom to make decisions that improve productivity, animal performance and farm systems.

The farm owner also has a 280ha Radiata Pine forestry operation at Maramarua, providing an additional dimension to the wider farming business.

The Role

You will take responsibility for the day-to-day management of Nesley Farm, working alongside a long-serving farm employee who has been with the property for 26 years.

We are looking for someone who is hands-on, practical, organised and forward-thinking, with the confidence to work independently while maintaining a strong relationship with the owners.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Overseeing daily farm operations and ensuring work is completed efficiently and to a high standard.
• Managing the sheep and cattle operation, including feeding, stock movements and grazing management.
• Managing and working alongside the existing farm employee.
• Monitoring animal health and carrying out routine animal health treatments, including drenching and vaccinations.
• Maintaining accurate livestock, pasture and farm records.
• Assisting with the continued modernisation of farm systems, including the introduction and use of computerised systems and technology.
• Implementing and managing the farm's environmental plan.
• Maintaining farm infrastructure, including fencing, water reticulation, machinery and general farm assets.
• Undertaking machinery maintenance and repairs where required.
• Working closely with the owners on key management decisions and identifying opportunities to improve farm performance.
• Maintaining high standards of health and safety across the property.
• Taking a proactive approach to identifying problems and implementing practical solutions.
• Working confidently and independently with minimal supervision.

About You

We are looking for an individual who takes pride in their work and genuinely wants to be involved in the success of the farm.

You will ideally have:

• Proven experience in sheep and beef farming.
• Strong knowledge of livestock and pasture management.
• The ability to design and implement a suitable animal health plan for all stock classes
• Experience with performance recording and grazing management.
• Good practical skills in fencing, machinery operation, repairs and general farm maintenance.
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to maintain accurate farm records.
• An interest in technology and modernising farm systems.
• A sound understanding of farm health and safety.
• A proactive, reliable and hands-on approach.
• The ability to work independently and confidently make day-to-day management decisions.
• A tidy, punctual and conscientious work ethic.
• A genuine commitment to the long-term success and improvement of the property.

Qualifications & Experience

• Tertiary qualifications in agriculture, farm management or animal science are desirable but not essential.
• A good working dog is preferred.
• A current full New Zealand Driver Licence is essential.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary , depending on experience.
• Tidy, newly renovated 3-bedroom family home.
• The opportunity to step into a genuine Farm Manager position and take ownership of the day-to-day operation and help drive long term goals.
• A well-equipped property with a supportive and collaborative working environment.
• Direct access to experienced farm owners who value initiative and practical decision-making.
• A beautiful rural lifestyle only one hour from Auckland.
• Convenient access to Thames and Pukekohe, both approximately 30 minutes away.
• Primary and secondary schools nearby, with bus services available'
• Excellent lifestyle and recreational opportunities, including fishing, hunting, golf and more.
• A non-smoking environment.

A Special Property. A Long-Term Opportunity.

Nesley Farm is more than just a job — it is a chance to become part of a 62-year farming legacy and play an important role in the next chapter of a very special family property.

If you are an experienced Senior Stock Manager ready to step up, or an established Farm Manager looking for a new challenge, we would love to hear from you.