Hoof Trimmer

Join VeeHof – In leading the Way in Hoof Care Across New Zealand! Step Into a Unique Career: Become a Professional Hoof Trimmer.
Hoof trimming is a hands-on, highly rewarding profession in a specialised and fast-growing corner of New Zealand’s dairy industry. While lameness may not be as prevalent here as in some overseas herds, proactive hoof care is vital to keeping cows healthy, mobile, and productive. Farmers know the value of skilled hoof trimming—not only for animal welfare, but also for the herd's performance, productivity and farm success. At VeeHof Dairy Services Ltd, we are proud to be recognised as the flagship of New Zealand’s hoof trimming industry. With decades of experience, a reputation for excellence, and a commitment to raising standards, we are shaping the future of animal welfare nationwide. Now, we are looking for someone to join our team—not necessarily a trained hoof trimmer, but someone ready to learn, grow, and thrive in this essential role.

Excellent Pay- Plus Bonus

What the job involves:

• Working hands‑on with dairy cows every day, helping keep herds healthy, comfortable, and performing at their best.
• Using specialised equipment and modern trimming techniques to prevent and treat lameness — one of NZ’s biggest animal health challenges.
• Travelling to a variety of farms across the region, enjoying fresh air, rural landscapes, and a job that’s never stuck indoors.
• Solving real problems on the spot: assessing hoof issues, identifying causes, and applying practical, research‑based solutions.
• Working independently and thinking on your feet, while still being part of a supportive, skilled team.
• Building strong relationships with farmers and becoming a trusted advisor in animal health and farm performance.
• Staying physically active, working in a role that keeps you fit, strong, and engaged.
• Using a hydraulic cattle crush to safely and efficiently secure cows—keeping the work physical but low strain.
• Learning a specialised trade with clear career pathways, from trainee to senior trimmer, trainer, or team leader.
• Making a meaningful impact every day, reducing lameness, improving animal welfare, and supporting the sustainability of NZ’s dairy industry.

Training & Certification: No experience? No problem. We will train the successful candidate to the highest international standards. You will have the opportunity to earn the Hoof Trimmer’s Diploma in Bovine Hoof Care, an internationally recognised qualification that sets you apart in the field. You will be trained directly under Fred Hoekstra, New Zealand’s leading hoof trimming expert and instructor at the Dairy Hoof Care Institute—the country’s only dedicated training facility for professional hoof trimmers. Fred has trained most of New Zealand’s hoof trimming professionals and collaborates with the Dairy Training Centre in the Netherlands.

What we are looking for:

• Fit, self-motivated individuals who take pride in doing a job well.
• A current full NZ Driver’s License.
• Applicants must reside and be eligible to work in New Zealand.
• Good communication skills.
• Experience with cattle or dairy farming is a bonus—but not essential.
• Most importantly: honesty, reliability, and a strong willingness to learn. Skills can be taught, but attitude is everything.

Ready to Apply? If you’re ready to join a team that’s setting the benchmark for hoof care in New Zealand and want a career that truly makes a difference, we’d love to hear from you. Send your CV and cover letter to Andrew Wright at andrew@veehof.co.nz