Job Details

Category: Sheep and Beef
Location: Taihape

Rural Directions

Independent Director | Ohinewairua Station Ltd

• Seeking a high country station manager/owner (50,000SU+) with a proven skillset.

• Leverage off the existing highly experienced independent directors.

• Remunerated role with flexibility to be located anywhere in New Zealand.

WHERE
Ohinewairua Station Limited (Ohinewairua) is an iconic central North Island high country station (altitude of 800-1300mm) comprising 7,500ha, located 30km East of Taihape in the Moawhango district. It is owned by longstanding family shareholders and known for its commitment to sustainable farming and operational excellence. The business runs sheep, beef and deer in both a breeding and finishing farming policy, collectively representing 50,000 stock units.

 

WHAT
As the result of a governance restructure, Ohinewairua is looking to appoint another independent director to join the other two highly experienced, independent directors. It is proposed the Board will then consist of three independent directors.

To support the existing directors in effectively governing the farming business, it is a requirement that the appointee brings the experience and proven skillset of a high country station manager/owner (50,000SU+) in either the North or South Island. This requirement is mandatory to complement the knowledge held by current directors.

Planned board meetings will occur six (6) times a year, scheduled around key station events to ensure the directors gain a feel for what’s happening on the station and to interact with staff. Additional meetings may be required, however this is the anticipated time commitment.

To read more about the opportunity please visit – https://bit.ly/4lZ4Nzc

 

WHO
This is a genuine opportunity to overlay your large-scale, operational farm management skillset in an independent director role in a proud, family-owned farming business. There is flexibility to bring in a less seasoned individual, who seeks to leverage off the existing director’s expertise, and use this opportunity as a steppingstone into full governance.

You will need to have:

• Experience in agricultural, farming, or rural industries with a clear understanding of the challenges and opportunities in New Zealand's farming sector.
• Familiarity and respect for what may be euphemistically termed ‘Station Life’.
• An understanding of good governance practices and board-level decision-making processes as they relate to large scale farming operations.
• Financial literacy with the ability to understand and interpret financial reports, budgets, and forecasts.
• Strong strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities, particularly in relation to managing risk and ensuring business sustainability.
• Knowing how to leverage the benefits of current (and emerging) on-farm technologies.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills along with a commitment to ethical and sustainable farming practices.
• An innovative mindset with a passion for the rural sector and its future sustainability.

WHY

• A great opportunity for a successful station manager/owner seeking to make the transition into professional farm governance within a remunerated role.
• Chance to contribute to a large-scale, progressive farming business that has an established team, sustainable practices and profit driven strategies.
• Be involved in a family-owned business with commercial disciplines where you will professionally develop yourself under the guidance of highly experienced independent directors.
• Leverage this learning opportunity to gain more board appointments across New Zealand’s agri-sector or beyond.
• Enhance your professional profile by being associated with a progressive and performance-focused farming business.

TO VIEW MORE INFORMATION AND/OR APPLY, PLEASE VISIT www.ruraldirections.co.nz/jobs

Applications close Sunday 17th August 2025

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

Date Posted: 2025-07-23