Te Tāwharau o Te Whakatōhea (TToTW), is situated in Ōpōtiki, a coastal town in the sunny Bay of Plenty. Before going through our settlement process in 2024 the Whakatōhea Māori Trust Board was established in 1952, and the Trust’s primary role was to administer the assets of the trust on behalf of its beneficiaries and in accordance with the Māori Trust Board Act 1955.
Te Whakataunga o Te Raupatu Whenua Deed of Settlement was signed on Saturday 27th of May 2023, where the establishment of Te Tāwharau o Te Whakatōhea as the Post Settlement Governance Entity (PSGE) was established to receive and manage the Treaty settlement assets as well as the assets of the Whakatōhea Māori Trust Board.
The Whakatōhea Dairy Farm - Te Riu o Kānapanapa is a legacy asset and was purchased with a grant given to Whakatōhea in 1946. Covering 218ha, 4km south of Ōpōtiki, the farm winters 750 cows and aims to milk 720 to peak with a production target of 290,000 kgMS, the farm has become one of the top-performing dairy farms in the Eastern Bay of Plenty for the past 5 years, and the team have achieved grade free for the last 3 years, achieving Te Tihi Level 3 – the highest Fonterra Co-operative of excellence in five areas, prosperity, environment, animals, people, and milk.
The Opportunity
Following the recent resignation of our Farm Manager, we are seeking Expressions of Interest from experienced Contract Milkers to operate a well-established and well-resourced dairy farming business.
As we work through this transition, ownership is also reviewing the farm’s operating structure. Alongside this EOI, we are advertising for a Farm Manager, and we are open to discussing the structure that best suits the right candidate. This may include a contract milking arrangement or an alternative agreed management structure, depending on experience, capability, and alignment.
We are keen to hear from progressive operators who are passionate about sustainable and environmentally responsible farming, with potential interest in exploring beef strategy alongside the dairy system. There is an opportunity to retain and work with the current farm team, providing continuity and stability.
The Farming Operation
- 218 hectares
- Wintering approximately 750 cows
- Peak milking approximately 720 cows
- Target production of 290,000 kgMS
- 60-bail rotary cowshed
- Automatic cup removers (ACRs)
- ProTrack
- LIC heat detection camera
- Feed pad and concrete silage bunker
- Cropping:
- 23 ha chicory
- 25 ha maize silage
- Heifers grazed off-farm from weaning to in-calf R2YR
- Excellent farm infrastructure
- Four farmhouses available (subject to agreement)
Scope of a Potential Contract Milker Role
- Day-to-day operation of the dairy farm.
- Achieving agreed production and performance targets.
- Maintaining high standards of animal welfare, milk quality, health & safety, and environmental compliance.
- Leading and supporting the farm team, with the option to retain current staff.
- Working collaboratively with ownership to deliver agreed outcomes.
Final responsibilities and commercial terms will be discussed with shortlisted candidates, all of which are open to negotiation.
About You
- Proven experience in contract milking or senior dairy farm leadership.
- Strong operational, people, and systems management skills.
- A sound understanding of farm performance, cost control, and production drivers.
- A genuine interest in sustainable farming practices and integrated dairy, and potential beef opportunities.
- Able to work independently while maintaining open and positive communication with ownership.
Next Steps
Shortlisted EOI's will be contacted to discuss experience, operating preferences, and fit. Discussions will begin from Wednesday 21 January 2025, and early expressions of interest are encouraged.