Packing Operator Open Country Dairy New Zealand

Open Country’s got a few openings for packing operators at their cheese and butter site over in Waharoa. It’s a full-time setup with 12-hour shifts — four days on, four off — so there’s some nice time off between runs. You’ll be working with packing machines, keeping an eye on weights, seals, and making sure everything’s clean and up to standard. Pay is competitive, and there’s a bonus scheme on top of that for hitting your KPIs. You don’t need a formal qualification for this job. If you’ve worked in food manufacturing or dairy before, great. But if not, they’ll still consider you if you’re the type who shows up, works hard, and follows safety rules. You’ve got to be legally able to work in New Zealand. If you’ve got a forklift license, even better — but it’s not a deal-breaker if you don’t.

About Open Country Dairy

Open Country Dairy is one of the bigger names in New Zealand’s dairy world. They’re not a tiny local outfit — they export cheese, butter, and milk powders to countries all over the globe. But they’ve still kept that grounded, practical approach in how they run things. At the Waharoa site, you’ll be working in a small crew where people help each other out and know what’s going on. It’s not about titles or fancy offices — it’s about doing the job right and staying safe while doing it. There’s room to move up if you’re keen, and they offer training along the way.

Job Title

Packing Operator – Cheese and Butter Production.

Responsibilities

• Set up and operate cheese or butter packing machines.
• Monitor packed products to make sure weights and seals are correct.
• Restock packaging materials as needed.
• Keep an eye out for any faults and tell your supervisor if something’s off.
• Record production numbers and shift details.
• Do basic cleaning of machines between batches.
• Help out during product changeovers.
• Stick to food safety and hygiene rules at all times.
• Wear safety gear and follow proper procedures on the floor.
• Support the team with general production tasks.
• Help maintain a clean and organized work area.
• Carry out basic quality checks before packing.
• Collaborate as a team to accomplish daily goals.

Requirements and Qualifications

Education

• No diploma, certificate, or degree required.
• Food Safety Certificate is a bonus if you’ve got one.

Experience

• Freshers can apply.
• 1–2 years in dairy, food manufacturing, or machine operation is a plus.
• Experience on a packing line is useful but not essential.

Licenses/Certificates

• Forklift license helpful but not required.
• Will need to complete in-house safety and machine training.

Skills

• Reliable and able to show up on time.
• Good eye for spotting issues or mistakes.
• Can handle repetitive tasks without losing focus.
• Basic problem-solving if machines stop or mispack.
• Comfortable on your feet for long shifts.
• Can work well with a team and follow directions.

Knowledge

• Understanding of workplace health and safety.
• Knows the importance of hygiene in food production.
• Familiar with rotating shifts or long-hour work.
• Awareness of basic machine operation (or willing to learn).
• Understands why accurate packing matters.
• Knows how to handle goods carefully and safely.

Applicant Location

This job is based at the Waharoa site in New Zealand. Applicants must already be in New Zealand and legally allowed to work. No remote options are available.

Application Procedure

To apply, download the Job Info app from the Google Play Store and complete your application through the app.

Note

If you are shortlisted for a job, you will get an email related to the test and interview schedule on your email and registered mobile number or directly on the job info app. Make sure your contact info is correct and that you are visiting your email and app notices as often as possible so you do not miss any crucial updates regarding your app status.

Disclaimer

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