Primary industries rely on plant and animal resources to create products, raw materials and other goods. This includes agriculture, horticulture, forestry, fisheries, aquaculture, equine, and viticulture.
No matter what part of the sector you choose to work in, you’re contributing to an important and sustainable sector that’s one of New Zealand’s biggest employers and biggest exporters.
Careers in this sector involve…
- Growing things
- Working with animals
- Working outside
- Physical work
- Using equipment and machinery
- Science and research
- Using business skills
- Interacting with the environment?
If so, a career in this sector might be right for you!
Areas of speciality may include…
- Biodiversity
- Animal health
- Business and consulting
- Water management
- Pest management
- Research and development
- Food supply and processing
- Agri-technology
- ICT
WAIKATO DAIRY SNAPSHOT
More than 350,000 New Zealanders, or one in seven people, are employed in this sector, contributing over $46.4 billion in export revenue and accounting for 11% of New Zealand’s GDP (Ministry for Primary Industries, year ended June 2019).
Waikato is home to many clever agri-tech businesses designing and developing innovative, world-leading technology in areas such as animal health and herd improvement to food processing and environmental sciences.
New Zealand produces 3% of all the world’s milk. Dairy farming contributed 34% ($19.7 billion) of New Zealand’s earnings from export merchandise in 2019-2020 (dairynz.nz)
The dairy farming industry employs more than 10,000 people in Waikato; and more than 20,000 people are employed in primary and related industries in our region. (mbie.govt.nz)
DAIRY NZ’S WAIKATO 2020 SNAPSHOT
- 29% of all dairy herds
- 1 million cows milked
- $2.5 billion contributed to regional economy
- 9% of regional employment is in dairy jobs
Watch now
Check out our FutureForce Interviews with young people working in this sector
FORESTRY IN THE WAIKATO
The forestry and wood processing sector is a substantial contributor to New Zealand’s economy and society. Wood products are New Zealand’s third largest export earner, behind dairy and meat.
The sector contributes over $6.9 billion in export revenue and accounts for 1.6% of New Zealand’s GDP. The environmental, community and social benefits of forests are being increasingly recognised. (mpi.govt.nz)
SMARTER FUTURES: Food and Farming
New Zealand produced 10.6 million native tree seedlings in 2020.
Plant nurseries employ more than 3000 people throughout New Zealand, and contribute $334m to the economy.
Plants and trees in our urban areas help improve health and wellbeing, control temperature, reduce air pollutants, regulate water flow, and absorb carbon emissions.
(ppi.co.nz)
AGRICULTURE
The science and practice of cultivating soil, growing crops, and raising animals for food, fiber, and other products.
Growing plants and raising animals for food and other stuff we need.
HORTICULTURE
The branch of agriculture that deals with the art, science, technology, and business of growing and maintaining plants, particularly fruits, vegetables, flowers, and ornamental plants.
Growing and taking care of plants, fruits, veggies, flowers, and pretty plants.
FORESTRY
The science and practice of managing, conserving, and cultivating forests and woodlands for sustainable resource extraction, ecological health, and recreation.
Managing and taking care of forests for wood, wildlife, and fun activities.
FISHERIES
The industry and practice of catching, processing, and selling fish and other aquatic organisms from natural and cultivated sources.
Catching and selling fish and other sea creatures.
AQUACULTURE
The controlled cultivation of aquatic organisms such as fish, crustaceans, mollusks, and aquatic plants for commercial purposes.
Farming fish and other water animals and plants.
EQUINE
Relating to the breeding, raising, training, and care of horses.
Raising and caring for horses.
VITICULTURE
The science and practice of cultivating grapevines for the production of grapes, particularly for winemaking.
Growing grapes, especially for making wine.
QUALIFICATIONS
Whether you are looking to study at the University of Waikato or Wintec, qualification options include…
WINTEC
- NZ Diploma in Dairy Processing (Level 6)
- Applied Horticultural Services (Level 3)
- Advanced Horticultural Trades (Level 4)
- NZ Certificate in Aboriculture (Level 5)
- Bachelor of Technology (Science)
UNIVERSITY OF WAIKATO
- Bachelor of Business Studies (BBus) (Agribusiness)
- Bachelor of Management Studies with Honours (BMS(Hons)) (Agribusiness)
- Bachelor of Science (BSc)
- Bachelor of Science (Aquaculture) (BSc) Tauranga Campus
VISION COLLEGE
- NZ Certificate in Primary Industry Skills (Level 2)
Job and pay examples
| JOB | PAY PER YEAR | OPPORTUNITIES |
|---|---|---|
| Agricultural/Horticultural Consultant | $50K to $150K | Good |
| Agricultural/Horticultural Field Rep | $55K to $120K | Good |
| Agricultural/Horticultural Scientist | $65K to $150K | Good |
| Aquaculture Farmer | $48K to $88K | Good |
| Beekeeper | $48K to $120K | Average |
| Crop Farmer/Manager | $55K to $180K | Good |
| Dairy Farmer/Manager | $55K to $160K | Good |
| Dairy Farm Assistant | $48K to $80K | Good |
| Dairy Processing Operator | $50K to $80K | Good |
| Farm Assistant | $50K to $60K | Good |
| Farmer/Farm Manager | $78K | Good |
| Forest Manager | $55K to $150K | Good |
| Forestry and Logging Worker | $48K to $75K | Good |
| Forestry Scientist | $55K to $150K | Good |
| Marine Biologist | $71K to $198K | Average |
| Meat Process Worker | $48K to $86K | Good |
| Orchard Farmer/Manager | $55K to $180K | Average |
| Seafood Process Worker | $48K to $86K | Good |
| Shearer | $48K to $130K | Average |
| Veterinarian | $75K to $220K | Good |
| Veterinary Nurse | $50K to $60K | Good |
| Viticulturalist | $48K to $128K | Good |
| Winemaker | $48K to $211K | Average |
| Wood Processing Worker | $48K to $50K | Average |
| JOB | PAY PER HOUR | OPPORTUNITIES |
|---|---|---|
| Arborist | $23 to $35 | Good |
| Crop Worker | $23-25 | Good |
| Fencer | $23-$62 | Good |
| Nursery Grower/Worker | $23-$31 | Average |
| Packhouse Worker | $23-$25 | Good |
| Wool Classer | $50 to $60 | Average |
*Rates are based on full time work and are an indication only.
Source: careers.govt.nz
AQUACULTURE
The aquaculture sector offers significant growth potential for New Zealand, creating regional jobs, supporting related industries, and boosting export earnings for local communities and the economy.
28% of New Zealand’s Pacific Oysters and 23% of our Green Shell mussels are farmed in the Coromandel (aquaculture.org.nz).
Study a BSc majoring in Aquaculture at the University of Waikato’s Tauranga campus.
Meet the young Waikato people working in the Primary Industry
SENIOR POULTRY
TECHNICIAN
DAIRY FARMER
ENVIRONMENTAL CAREERS
ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEER
FARM CONSULTANT
ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEER
FARM ASSISTANT
Sources: dairynz.co.nz, mpi.govt.nz, swnz.co, ppi.co.nz, growingnz.org.nz, Food and Fibre Skills Action Plan 2019-2022, aquaculture.org.nz, Waikato.ac.nz, wintec.ac.nz, youthguarantee.education.govt.nz
Disclaimer: While the FutureForce® Team makes every effort to ensure the information on this website is correct, the editor and publisher do not assume and hereby disclaim any liability to any party for any disruption or loss caused by error or omissions. Content is designed to complement, but not replace, the advice of a career advisor.