For South Island dairy farmers balancing staffing demands, long hours and the pressures of running a successful operation, welcoming an Irish agricultural student onto the team can offer far more than another pair of hands.
With 60 young Irish agricultural students preparing to arrive in New Zealand from January 2027, farmers have an opportunity to bring motivated, practically experienced young people into their businesses during the second half of the milking season.
For Christchurch-based recruitment company Max People, the programme is about connecting the right people with the right farms, supporting existing farm teams and building relationships that often continue well beyond the initial placement.
Pictured: Trina Moore on the road visiting South Island dairy farms as part of Max People's agricultural recruitment programme.
Max People's Trina Moore, who has specialised in agricultural recruitment for 15 years, says the benefits can be significant for both farmers and students.
"These students are coming here for a purpose. They're studying agriculture, many have grown up working on family farms, and they want to experience New Zealand's dairy industry, learn new skills and get stuck in."
An additional worker can provide greater flexibility around rosters, allow permanent staff to take well-earned time off and help farmers get on top of jobs that often take a back seat to daily demands.
The students bring practical experience in milking, livestock handling, machinery operation and general farm work, alongside agricultural studies ranging from dairy herd management to agricultural science and sustainability.
While Irish farming systems are often smaller in scale than those in New Zealand, the students arrive with a solid agricultural foundation, enthusiasm and a willingness to learn.
Moore says finding the right fit is essential.
"Every farm is different, and it's important we understand what the farmer needs. Farming experience is important, but attitude, reliability, resilience and a willingness to learn are just as valuable."
Pictured: Burmont Holding’s James Morrison.
For James Morrison, Farm Business Manager at Burmont Holdings, the benefits speak for themselves.
Managing a 1,200-cow dairy operation, Morrison has employed seven workers through Max People over the past three years and says every one has done an excellent job.
"After the first time, I mean, it was like, why the hell haven't I been doing this?" he says.
One of the biggest advantages, Morrison says, is having the recruitment process taken care of.
From identifying suitable candidates and providing detailed profiles to managing screening and interview arrangements, Max People removes much of the time and pressure associated with finding staff.
"That's a huge timesaver for us, especially in busy periods like calving and mating."
Through established relationships with agricultural colleges in Ireland, including its status as an approved placement partner with Teagasc, Max People gains valuable insight into students' farming experience, training and suitability for working overseas.
Candidates undergo interviews, reference checks and pre-employment screening, including drug testing, before being matched with suitable farms.
Max People's involvement doesn't end when students arrive in New Zealand.
The company assists with their initial settlement, coordinates transport to farms and provides ongoing pastoral support through regular contact and on-farm visits.
For farmers, this means having someone available to help if challenges arise, rather than being left to manage everything themselves.
Pictured: Irish student Brianna Laverty.
For Irish agricultural student Brianna Laverty, knowing that support was available made the move to New Zealand easier.
"Someone was always at the other end of the phone," she says.
Helping students settle into their placements and rural communities is an important part of the programme, with students encouraged to join Young Farmers clubs, sporting teams and other social activities.
While many students return to Ireland after completing their placements, others come back to New Zealand for further opportunities, with some building long-term careers in the dairy industry.
For Moore, one of the most rewarding aspects of her 15 years in agricultural recruitment has been watching former students progress through the industry.
Young Irish workers she once helped secure their first New Zealand farming experience have since become herd managers, farm managers and contract milkers. Today, some are employing their own staff through Max People.
"For us, it's never been about simply filling a position. It's about getting the right person onto the right farm. When you see students you originally brought to New Zealand years ago now running farms and employing staff themselves, that's when you realise the lasting impact these opportunities can have," Moore says.
Opportunity for South Island farmers
Max People is encouraging dairy farmers across Canterbury, including Waimate and Mackenzie districts, as well as Otago, Southland and parts of the West Coast, to register their interest.
Most January placements run until the end of May, providing support during the second half of the milking season, with some students available for longer.
Farmers employ and pay students as they would other farm employees, while Max People manages recruitment, screening, matching and ongoing support.
The company brings approximately 100 agricultural workers to New Zealand each year through its international recruitment programme, with additional intakes around June/July and September.
Farmers interested in discussing their staffing needs or upcoming placements can contact Trina Moore at Max People: