Job Details

Category: Block Manager
Location: Hawke's Bay

Rural Directions

Parks Peak Block Manager | Smedley Station

• A high performing breeding unit that supports the iconic Smedley Station.

• Opportunity to support the cadets with their horse and dog skills.

• Have the opportunity to guide and train the next generation of farmers.

 

WHERE
Smedley Station has over 90 years of training cadets and has grown to its current size of 5,600ha (3,400ha effective), wintering 30,000su. Within the Smedley farming operation there are four blocks including the main Smedley block, Parks Peak, Onepoto and Ridgelands, the latter three have Block Managers employed on them.
Parks Peak is 1400ha, with 900ha effective, and is the main breeding unit for Smedley Station, they run 4500 MA Romney ewes, 1500 hoggets and 250 Angus breeding cows.

It is based in the Wakarara farming district, and boundaries the back end of the Smedley Station and they look after the back block. It is a 30-minute drive from the
main station to Parks Peak. Because of the contours and for the training of the cadets on Parks Peak, a significant amount of the mustering is done on horseback.

WHAT
The appointee to the Parks Peak Block Manager role needs to have excellent stockmanship including both horse and dog skills, the ability to effectively manage livestock, with a high level of animal health knowledge. They will be working directly with the stock agents and be responsible for all day to day management of the property. A team of 5 working dogs will be a requirement.

The Block Manager will need to have a good eye for detail with feed and pasture management, and understand stock rotations, completing pasture covers and feed availability. From Monday to Friday each week there can be up to 6 cadets on Parks Peak, they stay in the 3-bedroom cottage and are self-sufficient. The cadets will be working alongside the Block Manager during the week who will be responsible for supporting them with all tasks. It’s important the successful applicant enjoys teaching and training people and has a good level of empathy and patience.

This role requires a strong understanding of Health & Safety and the adoption and follow through of the station’s farm policies and procedures. Computer literacy will be beneficial as a monthly farm report will be required, and Smedley Station also use FarmIQ therefore some experience with this would be beneficial.

To read more about the position and farm layout/business structure please visit – https://bit.ly/4e40lMO

 

WHO
Smedley Station are looking for a Block Manager who will mentor young cadets in a positive and proactive way, whilst also having the ability to work with the rest of the team when needed to support the Station Manager. The below are also key to success in this role:

• Excellent understanding of the fundamentals of farming.
• Strong understanding of feed quality and supply/demand.
• Ability to provide input into your blocks stocking policies and ability to achieve stock production targets.
• Excellent communication and relationship building skills.
• High level of stockmanship with a team of 5 good working dogs.
• Proficiency and passion around the training and working of dogs, with the transference of this passion and skill set to cadets.
• Accurate record keeping and reporting skills – FarmIQ, monthly reporting and Excel is utilised on farm.
• Interest and ability in utilising technology and modern systems.
• Strong forward planning and time management skills.
• Well-rounded general skills – fencing, handpiece.
• High personal standards, a strong work ethic and good communication skills, and therefore able to set a high-quality example to both cadets and colleagues.
• Sense of humour.

WHY

• This role will allow you to take responsibility of Parks Peak Station with the support of a strong management team.
• This is a great opportunity to develop yourself professionally in a farming business with excellent policies in place.
• Take the chance to guide and train the next generation of farmers.
• To be fully immersed in a larger farming operation with many moving parts.
• Opportunity to support the cadets with their horse and dog skills.
• There is a comfortable 3 bedroom open plan home, including a large living area and a good fireplace and heat pump.

TO APPLY OR VIEW THE JOB INFORMATION FORM PLEASE VISIT:

WWW.RURALDIRECTIONS.CO.NZ/JOBS

Applications close Sunday 6th July 2025

Only job seekers who have NZ working rights will be eligible for this role.

Date Posted: 2025-06-13