Job Description

Are you a horticulture student who wants to break into the industry?  

Farmlands is offering four 12-week, paid summer internships at either our Te Puke, Hastings/Gisborne, Cromwell, Canterbury or Motueka/Richmond locations!

Mō te whai waahi | About the opportunity

There’s much to learn and experience in this summer internship, with one of New Zealand’s largest kiwi owned co-operatives. Designed to showcase the various aspects of our service led horticulture business, you’ll be building connections, learning from our field experts and engaging in a variety of hands-on activities.

In this exciting opportunity you will:   

• Shadow horticulture Technical Advisors out in the field, providing you with hands on experience working with small, large and corporate growers. 

• Shadow a seasoned Business Manager in our horticulture specialised stores and learn how we support our rural communities. 

• Work on a presentation, sharing your view of the present and future state of the service led horticulture industry. 

• Gain co-operative insights by joining the wider horticultural team at regional and national meetings to understand how we ensure we are the go-to for everyone connected to our land.

This opportunity is available to horticulture students about to enter their final year of study or are about to complete their studies at Lincoln and Massey universities. You’ll also need to live in your placement area as transportation / accommodation is not provided

Paid placements commence on 16 November 2026 and complete on 5 February 2027

This Internship will give you a flavour of what it’s like to work at Farmlands and will introduce you to the various horticultural career opportunities with us.

Mō matou | About us

At Farmlands Te Whenua Tāroa, New Zealand’s largest farming co-operative, we’re driven by three core values: Be You, Minds Open, and See It Through. We support NZ farmers and growers to boost profitability and productivity, aiming to be the trusted partner for everyone connected to the land.

With over 1,200 team members across 80+ locations, we offer diverse operations - from retail and feed production to ecommerce and fuel. Join us to be part of a Kiwi-owned brand that values your uniqueness, creativity, and teamwork in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.

Mō te Tukanga | About the Process

The future doesn't stand still, and neither do we. As part of our commitment to innovation, we may use Sam, our AI Recruitment Assistant, during the recruitment process. It's simply another way for us to get to know you and learn more about what you could bring to Farmlands.

If you're invited to chat with Sam, we'd encourage you to give it a go. It's quick, conversational and can be completed at a time that suits you. We're always looking for ways to improve the candidate experience, so we'd love your feedback too.

And don't worry – real people review every application and remain at the heart of every hiring decision.

Te Tono | How to apply

Apply today and grow your horticulture career at Farmlands Te Whenua Tāroa.

You’ll need to upload:

• Your CV

• A cover letter

• A copy of your academic transcript

As part of your application please select multiple locations you are interested in and complete the video question.

Key Dates:

• Applications Open: 24 July 2026

• Applications Close: 21 August 2026

• Shortlisting by: Week of 24 August 2026

• Interviews Commence: Week of 31 August 2026

• Decisions Made: 4 September 2026

We’re looking forward to hearing from you!  

Applicants must have the legal right to work in New Zealand.

Please note that the successful candidate will have to go through pre-employment checks before starting with us at Farmlands. These will include two references from your two most recent managers, a Ministry of Justice Check, proof of your right to work in New Zealand, a driver’s licence check and an ACC background check. For certain roles a drug and alcohol test, credit check and AML check may be required.