International Staff For Short Term Agriculture Employment

International staff seeking short term agriculture employment

New Zealand as a location to work and travel is becoming more popular amongst students and graduates from abroad.

While it has always been a popular choice, many travellers are now looking to seek work in advance and secure longer term positions, from 6-12 months, as opposed to trying their luck when they arrive. This is largely due to many travellers wanting to experience New Zealand's working lifestyle, particularly in agriculture, and to be able to learn on the job and pick up some knowledge they can take away with them.

Matt Douch, Consultant for Numadi Work and Travel, says applications are up considerably this year for all farming related positions. “We are currently getting far more applicants than we have positions, so are having to turn some away or place them in different industries, which is a shame because I believe if more farmers knew there were willing, capable staff available they would be taking them on,” says Douch.

Most of the staff coming into New Zealand are more suited to short term roles to cover busy periods, but many will be available for a full season. Most of the applicants choose to stay between 6-12 months.

The majority of applicants coming through Numadi are from across Europe, predominantly Germany, South Africa and the USA, and are from a range of backgrounds. “While some have farming experience in their home country, some have experience or have studied in other areas, and we screen thoroughly to ensure they are up for the job. They know when they apply that it isn’t all sunshine and strolling through a paddock, and anyone who is more interested in just working with animals without the long hours we place in different industries or source jobs with farm parks or zoos. We also have many Au Pairs that want to live rural in New Zealand, so this can be great for farmers needing someone to watch their children while they work,” Matt says.

Most are looking to come to New Zealand for a period of 6-12 months, with some shorter term applicants also. Their courses and experience vary, some have a tertiary background in agriculture, and some have studied in other fields which can be interesting for the New Zealand farm hosts, and can often lend itself to the business in some way or another. Hiring from overseas can be a great experience for host farmers and their families. Often different farming styles are learnt as well as picking up a little foreign language and culture. Farm hosts are normally quick to comment on the dinners they have had cooked by their guests.

Numadi takes care of assisting the applicants with choosing a location most suitable for them and their lifestyle , finding employment, arranging visas, bank accounts and an IRD number, and ensuring they are fit and capable of working in New Zealand.

“We ensure all the applicants are thoroughly screened, including a police check in their country, and have a proven work ethic and personality suited to New Zealand. We also ensure all the applicants have a good level of English, and we are here for them throughout their stay if they need any support,” Matt says.

Numadi are currently seeking more farming roles for these applicants. If you have positions available now or in the future, get in touch via email info@numadi.com.

Numadi is a work and travel agency, based in Auckland, New Zealand with partners around the world. They offer both inbound opportunities to foreigners including hospitality, agriculture and Au Pair programs, and outbound opportunities to young New Zealanders wishing to head abroad. For more details see www.numadi.com.

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