28 | nzdairy Oraka’s innovative health insurance package Karen Phelps Oraka Farms is aiming to lead the way in staff health and wellbeing with an innovative health insurance package. The Oteramika-based farming operation, which milks 2,380 cows across three dairy platforms on an 820-hectare dairy operation, has implemented a comprehensive private health insurance scheme for all full-time employees. “We have a lot of longer serving staff members, so we thought about how to help them out and what might be beneficial to them,” says Brad McKenzie, farm business manager at Oraka Farms. “For longer tenured staff, we pay for their family, including children up to the age of 21, to be covered under this scheme, which also covers pre-existing conditions.” The initiative, developed in partnership with Southern Cross, positions Oraka Farms as one of the first private dairy businesses in the South Island to provide such comprehensive coverage for its workforce, which can reach up to 25 staff during peak season. “Our staff are what keep us going and allow us to continue to thrive. Because we have such fantastic and committed staff, we don’t have a high turnover rate and want to look after them in the best possible way,” says Brad. The company’s commitment to staff wellbeing extends beyond physical health. “Through spring time, we host a lunch every Tuesday where we shout lunch and have time to catch up and debrief. DAIRY PEOPLE » Oraka Farms The initiative, developed in partnership with Southern Cross, positions Oraka Farms as one of the first private dairy businesses in the South Island to provide such comprehensive coverage. The success of the initial barn has prompted plans for expansion.
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