With the dairy industry in New Zealand facing an ongoing demand for skilled workers, agricultural students from Ireland and Northern Ireland are seizing the opportunity to develop their skills in one of the world’s most advanced dairy farming environments.
Currently, 70 students from agricultural institutions, including Kildalton Agricultural College, South East Technological University (SETU), Munster Technological University (MTU), Ballyhaise Agricultural College, Atlantic Technological University (ATU), College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE), and Queen’s University in Northern Ireland, are gaining hands-on experience on dairy farms in New Zealand.
This forms a critical part of their degree’s practical placement, allowing them to apply classroom learning to large-scale, pasture based dairy operations.
New Zealand’s dairy sector is recognised for its innovation and efficiency, and workers from Ireland and Northern Ireland are highly sought after due to their strong work ethic and experience in livestock management.
The structured agricultural education system across the island of Ireland produces graduates who are well prepared to adapt to large-scale farming, making them a natural fit for New Zealand’s high-performing dairy industry.
Initiative led by Irish expertise
This opportunity to work in agriculture in New Zealand is facilitated by Max People, a workforce solutions company based in New Zealand and founded by two Irish entrepreneurs, Dave McSorely and Gavin Bannon.
Having built careers in construction and agriculture recruitment, the duo recognised the strong reputation of Irish workers and the value they bring to New Zealand’s dairy industry.
Gavin Bannon said: “Irish farmworkers have long been regarded as hardworking, adaptable, and highly skilled in livestock management.
“We saw a natural synergy between Ireland’s strong agricultural training and New Zealand’s demand for skilled workers.
“This initiative isn’t just about filling roles, it’s about creating meaningful learning experiences that help shape future industry leaders here and back home,” he added.
Working in New Zealand
For students it provides a once-in-a lifetime opportunity to live and work in a new country, gaining exposure to cutting-edge dairy practices, herd management strategies, and large-scale efficiency models that they can bring back home.
Trina Moore, who has been supporting placements in New Zealand for over 15 years said: “New Zealand’s dairy farms offer an incredible environment for students to develop their skills, work with some of the best in the industry, and gain first-hand experience of large-scale, pasture based dairy farming.
“Beyond the professional growth, students also get to explore the country’s stunning landscapes and culture, making this a truly life-changing experience.”
The company has said that the knowledge and skills acquired during their placements have a lasting impact not just on individual careers but on the wider agricultural sector back in Ireland.
Many students return to Ireland and Northern Ireland with a deeper understanding of pasture management, herd health, and large-scale operational efficiencies that can help modernise dairy farms, according to Max People.
Many past placements have gone on to lead family farms, introduce innovative techniques, and expanded their operations based on what they have learned in New Zealand.
“We see students go back with a completely new mindset, better pasture management, improved herd handling, and a greater understanding of large-scale efficiencies,” Moore continued.
“These experiences are invaluable not just to individual farms, but to the dairy industry as a whole.”
The impact of these placements is also felt at a personal level, according to the recruiters.
Agricultural workers from Ireland and Northern Ireland have shared positive testimonials about their experiences working in New Zealand.
Nicola Mitchell, a past placement from Greenmount College, described it as an “amazing and unforgettable experience”, citing the opportunity to learn new skills, make lifelong friendships, and travel across the country on days off.
Another candidate, Meabh Mulholland said “everything was well organised, and I would highly encourage every student to take this opportunity to see the world while gaining invaluable experience in the dairy industry”.
The next intake for placements commencing in June and July, coinciding with New Zealand’s peak calving season, is currently underway.
