Tarngate is a brand-new farm within BEL Group’s major development programme. This spring-calving, pasture-first operation will milk 1,000 cows across 232ha effective, with a new 60-bale rotary under construction, full irrigation, and modern in-shed tech including in-shed feeding, auto teat spray, walk-over weigh and auto drafting to maximise pasture performance.
Set on a flat, well-laid-out property, this is a rare opportunity to help establish a new farm from the ground up — embedding strong routines, building a great team, and setting the system up for long-term success. It suits an experienced leader with proven pasture capability and strong people leadership.
Located around 15 minutes from Waipukurau and close to schools and local amenities, Tarngate includes a large on-farm family home that will be refurbished.
About BEL Group
BEL Group is a large, family-owned dairy business in Central Hawke’s Bay, employing around 70 permanent staff across multiple farms and a central Business Services team. Values-led and people-focused, BEL Group is known for building long-term careers — with Working Together, Showing Pride, Delivering Results, and Being Responsible guiding how the business operates.
It’s also an exciting time to join. BEL Group is investing heavily in farm development and infrastructure, with major projects underway and a clear pasture-first strategy focused on getting the most from grass through simple, repeatable systems. With solid support behind the farms, this is a business where capable people are backed to grow and take on more.
The role
Tarngate is a new farm operation within a major development programme, and we’re looking for someone who can set the benchmark from day one. The focus is on embedding strong routines and standards, and building a system that runs cleanly and delivers performance at scale.
A key part of the role is bedding in new infrastructure and technology, including the new rotary and in-shed systems, and turning those tools into practical efficiency. Pasture discipline remains central, alongside clear expectations, strong planning, and a team that executes.
What we’re looking for:
- Proven Farm Manager experience in large-herd, multi-staff operations.
- Strong capability setting up farm systems, routines and accountability.
- Confident pasture operator with disciplined measurement and feed decisions.
- Proven ability to build a team, set expectations early, and lift capability.
- Comfortable adopting new infrastructure and in-shed tech to improve consistency.
- Strong compliance mindset (animal welfare, NAIT, records, environmental/effluent).
- Commercial discipline with good standards around presentation, assets and machinery.