HEAD SHEPHERDS

Tiroa Station & Te Hape Station | King Country Tiroa E and Te Hape B Trusts are Māori land trusts based in the King Country, managing significant farming and environmental assets on behalf of their beneficial owners.

Established in the early 1970s and affiliated with descendants of Rereahu, the Trusts oversee one of the largest continuous farming areas in the Waitomo district, spanning multiple sheep and beef stations alongside significant native bush areas.

Guided by kaitiakitanga and intergenerational stewardship, we balance commercial performance with environmental responsibility and cultural values. Our operations combine large-scale sheep and beef farming with environmental restoration initiatives, including native nursery development and riparian planting. Following recent strategic changes and new leadership direction, we are entering an exciting new phase — building on strong farming foundations while lifting performance through improved systems, practical innovation, and refreshed ways of working. Operating across approximately 11,000 hectares (7,900ha effective pasture) over four stations, we are seeking:

*Two Head Shepherds — one based at Te Hape Station and one at Tiroa Station.

ABOUT THE ROLES These are key positions suited to capable, practical people who enjoy getting the best from stock, land, and team environments. We value strong traditional sheep and beef skills alongside a genuine willingness to embrace modern farming tools, technology, and data-informed decision-making.

You’ll be someone who combines good stockmanship with curiosity and initiative — open to improving systems, adopting better ways of working, and contributing to a team focused on lifting farm performance. We are particularly interested in people who:

*Take pride in high standards and continuous improvement *Are comfortable using (or learning) farm technology and digital tools *See change as an opportunity rather than a barrier *Bring energy, accountability, and a positive team mindset

WHAT YOU’LL BE DOING

*Day-to-day stock management across large-scale hill country operations *Supporting farm performance targets and seasonal feed planning *Dog work and practical shepherding responsibilities *Animal health planning and execution, including improving reproductive performance

• Supporting pasture management and grazing outcomes aligned with business goals
• Increasing use of farm technology and data to support practical decision-making
• Assisting with environmental initiatives including riparian and native planting programmes
• Leading by example and contributing to a respectful, hardworking team culture
• Maintaining high standards of animal welfare, property presentation, and health & safety

DEVELOPMENT & TRAINING As part of our next phase, we are launching a structured in-house training programme focused on practical farm performance, including:

• Feed planning and pasture utilisation
• Improving sheep reproductive performance
• Aligning day-to-day management with business plan targets
• Practical systems to lift productivity and consistency across our farms

This programme is designed to support capable shepherds to sharpen their skills and grow with the business.

WHAT WE OFFER

• The property includes a tidy and well-presented three-bedroom dwelling.
• Schooling – Benneydale Primary (zoned). Secondary – bus service to Te Kuiti High School.
• Supportive team environment with clear future direction
• Exposure to large-scale farming systems
• Practical skill development aligned with farm performance goals
• Opportunity to work on whenua with strong cultural purpose and long-term vision

INTERESTED?

For a confidential discussion, please contact:

Ross Shepherd, General Manager | 0274 508 845

Ian Valler, Te Hape Farm Manager | 07 8784748

Wayne Fraser, Tiroa Farm Manager | 027 8784815

Please send your application to sharon@tiroatehape.maori.nz before Friday, 6th March 2026, stating your preferred farm (or both).

Be part of building the next chapter of farming at Tiroa E and Te Hape B Trusts.