Rooney Farms

South Island Agriculture at Scale

Rooney Farms represents one of New Zealand’s largest and most diverse agricultural portfolios. From the high country to the plains, we combine massive scale with a commitment to independent, expert farm management.

The Rooney Farms portfolio is as diverse as the South Island landscape itself and reflects Gary Rooney and his late wife Adrienne’s love for farming and land conservation. Our operations encompass iconic high-country sheep and beef stations, four high-output dairy farms, and the largest deer holdings in the South Island. This is bolstered by specialised forestry, 1,000 hectares of grain and seed cropping, and dedicated dairy support units.

True to the Rooney Group’s philosophy of empowering expertise, each farm operates under an independent model. Every property is led by a dedicated Farm Manager and team who possess the specific local knowledge required for their land. This decentralised approach ensures that while our reach is vast, our management remains hands-on and precise.

The key farming operations that sit within the Rooney Farms division includes:

Dairy Operations

Based in South Canterbury, Rooney Dairy Farms operates four dairy farms committed to responsible farming, high animal welfare standards, and positive environmental outcomes. Through careful land management, sustainable farming practices, and a focus on continual improvement, we strive to produce quality milk while protecting the natural resources that support future generations.

Vacancies

Sheep, Beef & Deer Operations

From the Inland Kaikōura Ranges through to North Otago, our sheep, beef, and deer farms operate across a diverse range of landscapes and farming environments. This diversity underpins resilient and productive farming systems, allowing us to adapt to changing conditions while maintaining a focus on sustainability and long-term performance.

Our sheep operations are primarily crossbred breeding and finishing enterprises, while our deer farms encompass breeding, finishing, and velvet production. Together with our beef operations, these businesses are built on a commitment to sound farming practices, high animal welfare standards, and responsible environmental management.

Vacancies

Rangitata Hunting

From rugged alpine basins to towering mountain ranges, Rangitata Hunting (formerly Kiwi Safaris) provides access to 22,000 hectares of outstanding New Zealand high country in the foothills of the Southern Alps. Renowned for its exceptional trophy hunting opportunities, clients can pursue iconic species including bull tahr, chamois, and red stags while experiencing some of the most breathtaking wilderness landscapes New Zealand has to offer.

Built on a reputation for quality, professionalism, and authentic high-country hospitality, Rangitata Hunting offers a truly memorable hunting experience.

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Agricultural Projects

Our farming operations give us firsthand experience of the challenges and demands facing today’s agricultural sector. This practical knowledge, combined with specialised equipment and skilled operators, enables us to deliver tailored solutions for projects of all sizes across rural New Zealand.

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