NZ farmer praised for straightforward job ad requesting worker who can “divorce” themselves from their phone

A New Zealand farmer in Waimate has received praise for a straightforward job ad in a local newspaper that asked for workers who can dress properly and are not obsessed with their phone.

The ad outlined two positions: one stockman to feed bulls and one labourer to pour concrete.

“Must be a non-smoker, wear his hat with the peak to the front and be capable of wearing his pants around his arse not his knees,” the ad reads.

“Also needs to be able to divorce himself from his phone for more than 2 hrs at a time. This may turn into a permanent job.”

Read more: Small business raises eyebrows with job ad saying “bogans need not apply”

While the ad for the labouring position says the applicant may be a smoker, it clarifies the worker “will not have time” for a smoke break.

Stuff.co.nz reports farmer Geoff Wallace took a no-nonsense approach the ad because he is sick of younger people obsessively checking their phone or social media. He told Stuff his farm employs four people over the age of 70 because “they achieve more than some younger people”.

“I need someone who can work unsupervised,” Wallace told Stuff.

“Every machine I have is capable of killing someone. I just want someone who is focused on the job, not their phone.”

Stuff reports Wallace has received a number of applicants for the role, including two workers fresh out of school.

Users on social media have praised Wallace’s no-nonsense approach to hiring, though some have criticised the ad for being aimed at men only.

@NZStuff That’s how all job ads should be written. Hat tipped to this bloke.

— ♈Chilli Hooligan⚒ (@ChilliHooligan) February 27, 2017

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