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Darfield Forklift Operators 2026

Job Name
Forklift Operators - Darfield

General Information

Date Published
14-Apr-2026
Advertising Ends
30-Apr-2026
ID#
14065
Role Type
Forklift Operators
Work Type
Fixed-Term Full-Time
Workplace Type
On-site
Country
New Zealand
Location
Canterbury

Position Description

Our Co-operative

Ata whakaarohia tō āpōpō | Imagine Tomorrow with Us

At Te Mātāpuna Fonterra, we want everyone to feel they can be themselves. 

Whether you're early in your career or ready for your next step, Fonterra offers a unique opportunity to grow with a global dairy co-operative that values care, collaboration, and contribution. 

Owned by New Zealand dairy farmers and supported by a dedicated team, we are all working together to create a better future. Imagine tomorrow with us, where your career can grow, and you can create positive change.


He kupu mō mātou | About us

Established in 2012, our Darfield site has three production plants – two milk powder plants including a world’s largest spray drier producing 33 metric tonnes per hour, and a newly operational cream cheese plant producing 4.5 metric tonne of cream cheese every hour. During peak season, we process up to 7.2 million litres of milk every day. 


Mō tēnei tūranga | About the Opportunity

We’re looking for skilled and safety-focused forklift operators to join our team at Fonterra’s dry/cool storage manufacturing site in Darfield/. You’ll play a key role in keeping our dairy products moving across New Zealand and the world. Please note this an expression of interest for 6-month fixed term opportunities.

Your day-to-day will include unloading trucks, receipting and transferring goods, managing stock, and delivering packaging and ingredients across site. It’s a varied role where safety, quality, and teamwork are key.


Key responsibilities include:
  • Loading and unloading trucks and containers
  • Delivering packaging and ingredients across departments
  • Maintaining inventory accuracy and stock quality
  • Operating forklifts safely and efficiently
  • Supporting cleaning and quality control processes
    

Mōu | About You

You’re a reliable team player with a strong commitment to health and safety. You take pride in your work and contribute positively to a high-performing team environment.

To be successful, you’ll bring:
  • A current F-endorsed forklift licence and OSH certificate
  • Must have distribution centre/Warehouse environment experience 
  • Experience with 5-tonne and electric forklifts
  • Food manufacturing experience (preferred)
  • Racking experience and barcoding/data entry skills  
  • Strong attention to detail and inventory accuracy
  • A great attitude and continuous improvement mindset


Ngā Aura | Our Values 

At Fonterra, our values of Good Together, Better Every Day, and Every Drop Counts, are for everyone – no matter your background, identify or experience. These values guide us in delivering exceptional outcomes for our farmers, customers, communities, and each other. Discover how your values align with ours by taking our Values Quiz



Tā mātou oati | Our Commitment to You 

We care for our people globally. Our comprehensive benefits support your well-being, development, and work-life balance:
  • Fair and equitable pay
  • Health and well-being programs (medical, mental health support)
  • Professional development opportunities
  • Career growth support
  • Work-life balance options (flexible/hybrid working where possible)
  • Employee recognition
  • Support for community involvement and cultural connection
To learn more, visit Fonterra Careers



Ngā Mahi | A Career of Opportunities

At Te Mātāpuna Fonterra, we are inspired by purpose and guided by our principles and values. Together, we create goodness for generations and make a global impact at a local level. As part of our Co-operative, you are an everyday creator, imagining what Fonterra, dairy, and you can be here.



Tātou Tātou | Join Us

Does this sound good to you? Come join our whānau - bring your whole self, and let's solve for better together. 

You, me, us together, Tātou, tātou.


He Wāhi mō te Katoa | Together, we're shaping a future of inclusion.

Inclusion is key to our Co-operative. We're building a team that reflects the diverse world we live in, believing it drives better decisions and innovation. 

We welcome applications from all backgrounds (ethnicities, genders, identities, orientations, ages, abilities, neurotypes, cultures, religions). 

If you face accessibility issues or need accommodations during the process, please contact your recruiter. We ensure fair participation, allowing you to be at your best. Tātou, tātou. 

Applications close at midnight on 30 April 2026