If you need training, you may wish to discuss support for your training needs with your employer. Getting New Zealand training and qualifications for dairy farm work
If you come from a tropical country it can be difficult to get used to our changeable climate and our cool, wet and windy weather. New Zealand weather can also change very quickly. The northern regions are generally warmer than the southern regions – but not always! If you work on a farm near the mountains it will be colder than if you work on a farm near the sea. The weather can be very different in different parts of the country. Because we are in the southern hemisphere, our summer is between December and February and our winter is between June and August. New Zealand’s weather is seasonal with a distinct summer and winter. New Zealand’s climate might be quite different from what you are used to. So, whatever the weather is like you will have to work outside all year too. Most New Zealand dairy farms work with cows that live outside all year. During the daytime, you can expect to do work on the farm and you will usually be given a couple hours off as your personal time. The majority of farms will also milk cows in the afternoon. Early morningsĭairy farming often requires early waking to milk the cows - this could be as early as 5am. You may have a female employer or "boss" and farm workers may be male or female. On a bigger farm you will work as part of a team. On a small farm you will often work alongside the farm owner. After a while, you will be expected to make work decisions yourself and to be able to work on your own without being told what to do all the time. When you start work, there will be someone to supervise you while you gain skills and work experience. Due to the weather and changing farm conditions you will need to be flexible. New Zealand dairy farmers are looking for workers who are motivated and have a ‘can-do’ attitude (willing to learn new things and try new ways of working). It also explains some of the differences you may experience living in New Zealand. This guide will help you understand what it is like to work on a New Zealand dairy farm in New Zealand and where to get advice and support if you need it. How New Zealanders communicate at work will be different too.
You will have to learn to use different farm equipment. New Zealand dairy farms may be larger and more isolated than farms in other countries. Working on a New Zealand dairy farm may be different from what you are used to. No matter how long you stay in New Zealand, we want you to enjoy your time working here.īecause it can take time to get used to living and working in a new country, it is important that you and your family have the information and support you need, even if you are here on a temporary visa. New Zealand values migrant dairy farm workers. This guide is for migrants who work or want to work on a New Zealand dairy farm, for example: This guide has information to prepare you for living and working on a New Zealand dairy farm. An employer version of this guide is available on the Immigration New Zealand website: