Silver Fern Farms New Zealand is hiring Team Members Job in New Zealand to join its large processing site in Takapau, Central Hawke’s Bay. This role is ideal for people who are ready to earn while learning in a hands-on production environment. With entry-level opportunities available and no prior experience required, this position offers a strong pathway into long-term career development within New Zealand’s leading red meat processing company.
About the Company
Silver Fern Farms is New Zealand’s market leader in quality red meat production, supplying customers in over 60 countries worldwide. The company operates with a strong purpose—Creating Goodness from the Farms the World Needs—and is committed to innovation, sustainability, and continuous improvement.
The Takapau processing site employs over 900 team members during peak season, playing a vital role in supporting local communities across Central Hawke’s Bay. Silver Fern Farms values diversity, inclusion, teamwork, and wellbeing, providing a safe, supportive, and respectful workplace for people from all backgrounds.
Job Responsibilities
As a Meat Processing Team Member, your responsibilities may include:
- Performing meat processing tasks in a production environment
- Completing on-the-job training and learning new skills
- Working closely with team members to meet production targets
- Following health and safety, quality, and technical compliance requirements
- Maintaining cleanliness and hygiene standards
- Using provided safety gear and work clothing correctly
- Supporting efficient processing during peak production periods
- Working evening shifts as rostered
Requirements
To be considered for this role, candidates must:
- Be 18 years or older to meet audit requirements
- Be eligible to work in New Zealand
- Have a positive, hardworking attitude and strong attendance
- Be able to work well in a team environment
- Understand and follow health, safety, and quality procedures
- Be physically fit and able to meet role demands
- Pass pre-employment medical checks, criminal convictions checks, and physical fitness requirements
- Pass mandatory pre-employment drug screening
No previous experience is required as full training is provided.
Skills
- Willingness to learn new tasks
- Strong teamwork and communication skills
- Reliability and punctuality
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment
- Attention to detail
- Commitment to safety and quality standards
Knife skills, trimming experience, and a current forklift licence are advantageous but not required.
Benefits
- Minimum starting pay of $28.82 per hour, plus additional extras
- Production overtime rate of $43 per hour
- Typically 40 hours per week during peak season, with overtime opportunities
- Paid on-the-job training
- All work clothing and safety gear provided
- Access to quality meat at mates’ rates on-site
- Career development opportunities into quality, safety, and leadership roles
- Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) for employees and eligible family members
- Whānau family fun days
- Inclusive, supportive, and diverse workplace culture
