Packing Machine Operator - Day Shift (Canary Enter

About the role

As the Operator, you will play a key role in enabling the manufacture of high-quality food products. This is a hands-on day shift role where you will be involved in operating manufacturing equipment, preparing inputs such as ingredients and packaging, and supporting packing operations to ensure production runs smoothly and safely.

Reporting directly to the Production Manager, you will work closely alongside production and site teams, contributing to daily operations and providing feedback on opportunities for improvement while maintaining high standards of safety, quality, and efficiency. A bit about you

You are someone with several years’ experience working in a manufacturing or production environment and bring a proven, practical approach to hands-on operational work. You are comfortable following processes, operating equipment, and contributing as part of a team to meet production requirements.

You take pride in working safely, understand the importance of product quality in food manufacturing, and are keen to support others and share ideas for improvement. You are reliable, adaptable, and willing to step in where needed to keep operations running smoothly. A bit about the organisation

Canary Enterprises is a New Zealand-based food manufacturing business located in Te Rapa, Hamilton. The site plays an important role in producing high-quality food products, with a strong focus on safety, quality, and operational excellence. Canary Enterprises is known for its practical, hands-on environment and commitment to supporting its people to do their best work.

Canary Enterprises is part of the Yili Oceania Group, which includes Westland Milk Products, Oceania Dairy (Glenavy), Pure Nutrition (Rolleston), and EasiYo (Auckland) under the ownership of global top-five dairy company Yili Group. Together, the group produces over 170,000 metric tonnes of finished goods each year, exporting to more than 40 countries and generating annual revenue well in excess of $1.3 billion — and continuing to grow.

Where to from here?

We encourage you to apply even if you feel you don’t meet every requirement — no one ever meets 100%. We’re interested in your experience, attitude, and potential to grow with us.

Please submit your application through our careers page at westlandcareers.co.nz . For further details, please refer to the accompanying position description available on the site.

Applications close on 12th April 2026 . Please note this advertisement may close earlier than the listed date if a suitable candidate is identified. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and interviews may be held prior to the closing date.

Applicants must have valid work rights in New Zealand to be considered.