Candidates without current full New Zealand working rights cannot be considered for this role.

About Aurora Dairies

Aurora Dairies is committed to a long-term investment in the Dairy Industry and operates a portfolio of 57 dairy farms, 7 dairy farms in New Zealand's South Island, as well as 50 dairy farms across south-eastern Australia.

Aurora relies on local expertise to operate and improve the productivity of its dairy farms by employing and developing great people, investing in technology, farm development strategies, and supporting infrastructure. Aurora’s operating culture prioritises the health and safety of its employees - inclusive of a strong work-life balance, animal welfare and seeks to positively contribute to the environment and communities in which Aurora operates.

Aurora Dairies are currently seeking a Senior Dairy Assistant/Herd Manager for our Hudson Dairy Farm. The farm is located 10 minutes from Oxford and 45 minutes from Christchurch in Canterbury. The farm is approximately 320ha fully irrigated with pivot and fixed grid irrigation.

Hudson is peak milking 1,100 cows through a 60-bale rotary shed with Protrack in-shed management along with auto teat spray, auto cup removers and in-shed feed systems. This farm supplies Synlait and is certified at Gold Plus level within their Lead With Pride programme.

This role begins in June 2026, and accommodation will be provided to the successful applicant and there could be opportunities for employment for your partner on one of our nearby farms, if required.

This is an excellent career opportunity offering:

• A highly competitive salary and career progression opportunities.
• Work-life balance with a maximum average of 50 work hours per week with a variable roster.
• Being part of a large scale dairy business that values all of its people, animals and the environment.
• Full time or casual employment opportunities may be available for your partner, if required.
• Support to pursue training and education opportunities.
• A remuneration package based on level of relevant skills and experience ($73-80k annually).
• Access to our Employee Assistance Program for you and your family.

Reporting to the Farm Manager, you will:

• Ensure safe operations across the property through the implementation of our Safety Management System.
• Exhibit sound and accurate judgement to ensure the highest standards of animal health and welfare.
• All aspects of milking.
• Maintain accurate stock, treatment, and feeding records.
• Operate and maintain plant and equipment.
• Implement sustainable farming practices.
• Adhere to company policies and safe work procedures.

The desired skills and experience for this opportunity are:

• Past dairy industry experience of 2 years or more is desirable for this position.
• Committed to ensuring a safe workplace.
• Reliable and punctual.
• Reporting and computer skills.
• Good work ethic and positive attitude.
• Team player.

What makes Aurora Dairies unique?

• A true safety and animal welfare focus across the entire company.
• A strong focus on fatigue management and work hours. We pride ourselves on work-life balance.
• Opportunities to grow your career both on the farm or with broader horizons through professional development and other training opportunities. Learning and development of our people is a strong focus at all levels of the organisation.
• An organisation that has made commitments to sustainability and is putting that into action.
• Being part of an organisation of which integrity, trust and collaboration are their core values.

Our successful applicant will be required to undergo a comprehensive pre-employment process including criminal record checks, financial checks, psychometric assessments, a medical assessment and other relevant assessments to confirm suitability for the role.

If you have a passion for dairy and agriculture and are looking for your next step in a progressive dairy company, please submit your updated resume and cover letter as soon as possible as applications will be assessed as they received. Email applications cannot be accepted.

For further information, please contact us at [email protected].

Please note, we may only make contact with you if your profile is suitable to the requirements of this position. Candidates without current full New Zealand working rights cannot be considered for this role.