A set of tools to help you manage, support and communicate with your team. This section brings together the resource’s farmers use most to build strong working relationships and a happy team.
- Managers report (PDF,365KB) – a simple template to help managers record staff performance, progress, and key discussions throughout the season.
- Performance incentives (PDF, 145KB) – an overview of different ways to reward good performance on farm, with examples of incentives that help motivate and retain staff.
- Performance management (PDF, 573KB) – a practical guide to managing staff performance on farm, including how to set expectations, give feedback, and address issues early.
- Ending employment (PDF, 559KB) – a straightforward guide to the legal and practical steps for ending employment on farm, helping you follow the correct process and avoid common pitfalls.
- Māori cultural confidence(PDF, 1.1MB) – this PDF will help you build confidence in understanding Māori culture in the workplace, offering practical guidance on values, language, tikanga, and how to better support Māori employees.
- Staff planning factsheet (PDF, 1.7MB) – staff planning is the process of deciding what has to be done on the farm and who is going to do it. The process will identify the number and of jobs, and then give an overview of the responsibilities of each staff member.
- Staff plan template (PDF, 568KB).
- Dates for public holidays and anniversary days – this page lists all New Zealand public holidays and regional anniversary dates, so you can easily check the correct dates for your staff and payroll planning.
- Drinking water- guidance on keeping drinking water safe and compliant on farm, including what’s required for supplying water to staff housing and other rural properties.
- Managing conflict, poor performance and misconduct – this webpage will walk you through DairyNZ’s advice on managing conflict, poor performance, and misconduct on farm, with practical steps to keep conversations fair and constructive.
- Employer toolkit - buddy system – this webpage will explain how to set up a buddy system in your workplace, offering practical guidance to help new staff settle in, feel supported, and become confident in their role.
- This webpage is the official government site – providing clear, trusted information on employment rights, responsibilities, and workplace standards in New Zealand including free impartial phone-based services you can use.
- Understanding learning styles – in part one of this B+LNZ National Webinar Series, Lee Astridge from No8HR shared insights drawn from over 20 years of experience in adult learning across a range of demographics.
- Effective training methods – in part two of this B+LNZ National Webinar Series, Carolyn Patchett and Marianne Awburn (Primary ITO) joined us alongside Central Otago Farmer Sam Stevens to discuss effective on-farm training methods.
- Rural Employee Support Hub (RESH) provides practical guidance and support for rural employees, helping them understand their rights, access advice, and navigate challenges in their work and living situations.
- Free online support for employers dealing with stress, conflict, or emotionally charged situations.
- If an employee is very upset, distressed, or overwhelmed, these services can support them directly. 1737 – Need to talk? (Free call or text).
Image supplied by Jeff Farm