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To unlock the potential of people with disabilities, empowering them to live purposeful lives through gainful employment.
An inclusive world where everyone matters
We provide a unique training environment that facilitates social and professional growth. Our aim is to create a real work environment that prepares our employees for the challenges of the workplace. For this reason, we call ourselves ‘The Disability Enterprise’.
We are a safe place where everyone belongs.
We have a voice, and it matters.
We are always honest.
We support each other to do a great job.
We respect each other.
The Disabled Citizens Society (Otago) Inc. was officially incorporated, marking the foundation of what would later become Cargill Enterprises. Initially, the society was primarily supported by parents with working-age disabled children.
Originally in a house in South Dunedin, a purpose-built building opened in Hillside Road near Cargill's Corner in South Dunedin, which consisted of a work room with a hall and kitchen, plus facilities, catering for a small number of people.
The workshop was extended due to an increasing number of clients, including clients from the local psychiatric hospital, who were learning work skills before being discharged into the community.
Between 1984 and 1988 the workshop gradually expanded, with improved facilities such as a cafeteria, locker rooms and first aid room.
During this challenging time, the society faced the threat of closure.
The society entered the e-waste recycling industry, partnering with the Dunedin City Council’s TV Take Back initiative.
Timberworks: A new business unit was launched to provide timber processing services. PacMan: The PacMan division was established to offer packaging and assembly services.
The society rebranded as Cargill Enterprises, introducing a new logo featuring a friendly smiley face to symbolise its commitment to a positive and inclusive workplace.
The first graduation ceremony marked a significant milestone for Cargill Enterprises, celebrating the achievements of its employees.
Cargill Enterprises joined Aotearoa Disability Enterprises (ADE) as a founding member, fostering collaboration and innovation within the disability sector.
Cargill Enterprises currently employs over 60 people with some level of a disability.
Our employees are asked to apply themselves to the best of their ability and embrace the culture of care, patience and respect common to any good workplace.
All employees have personal development plans and for some, these will include life skills such as using a computer or improving their numeracy and literacy. We offer regular classroom type training programmes run during paid work hours and tutored by skilled, contracted educators to support and up-skill our employees.
From this they take great satisfaction and confidence knowing that their employment contract was achieved on merit, hence making a meaningful and valuable contribution to their communities and the economy.
As a result of employees taking pride in their workmanship and applying their skills we have developed and established a proven, respected footing in the business community for producing top quality products and services.
Providing employment improves quality of life by helping build self-esteem, self-confidence and work skills. If you think you would like to apply for a position with us please contact our HR Manager.
Dismantling ewaste, helping out in Pacman and most recently learning food packing.
Doing my job and seeing my friends.
Working in food packing filling bags of spices and different food products, tying ropes and anything asked of me
Everyone is friendly, willing to help and there is a variety of work
Dismantling e-waste, helping out in PacMan and most recently learning food packing
Doing my job and seeing my friends
Anything I'm asked to within reason. Mainly quality checking in food packing
Family atmosphere, you can have a laugh
Food packing - lollies, spices, dried fruit, different flours
We have a place where we all belong :)
Pellets and planter boxes
The people here, the supervisors and the hours
Our employees at Cargills are the heart of our operation so all our systems and processes are set up to support our employees in the workplace.
This includes having a team of Supervisors who recognise the diverse needs of our employees.
We run an in-house Academy that educates our employees in a range of subjects including communication, workplace literacy and numeracy and digital literacy.
We have a Social Club that run a variety of different activities and events throughout the year to provide opportunities for social interaction and inclusion.
We include our employees as much as possible in our daily operations from running meetings to filling out easy-read forms.
Our goal is to provide a workplace that enables all of our employees to flourish.
We do not have a standard practice of allowing people onsite for work experience or as volunteers. However, you are welcome to call our HR Manager if you have a particular situation to discuss further.
Job applications are open at any time, though positions are subject to availability.
We encourage any interested jobseekers to call or email our HR Manager to make an appointment to come in for a chat and look around. You can reach Mel on 455 5119 or email her at mel@cargill.kiwi.
You are welcome to bring a family member or support person with you to that appointment.
Afterwards an application form can be taken away and completed. Our HR Manager will then contact you when and if a suitable position becomes available.
All our employees at Cargills have some form of physical or intellectual disability.
They must have a WINZ number or be receiving some form of government benefit. We require our employees to be fit for work and have a level of independence to self-manage their daily routines such as toileting, food, transport to and from work etc. They must be able to listen and follow instructions.
As part of our employee’s employment we provide on the job training that includes teaching them skills needed to perform various work tasks, operate machinery, complete workplace paperwork, maintain time management and follow health and safety practices.
Cargill Enterprises offers employees regular training as part of our Cargill Academy Education program. The groups run during paid work hours and are tutored by skilled, contracted educators that make learning an enjoyable and exciting experience for all that choose to participate. This includes health and safety know-how, numeracy and literacy improvement, 101 for computers and learning to navigate the internet.
Our aim is to give all staff improved skills that lead to increased options and freedom in their lives including permanent employment in the open workforce.
Courses are between 2 – 4 hours per week per student.
It is free. The programme is fully funded so there are no costs to the students.
No more than four students per group.
No. The content is presented in a way that makes learning fun. Note some of the comments from previous students.
“I didn’t know learning could be this fun!”
“I never learnt anything at school but now I know so much more about maths.”
“It is the best part of my week.”
The program helps employees develop the skills they need to perform their jobs well and communicate effectively with others.
It includes topics such as:
• Counting, adding and subtracting.
• Measuring and weighing.
• Communication Skills.
• Social skills.
• Health and Safety procedures.
• How to identify and eliminate hazards.
• How to fill in forms. In addition, each student sets their own personal goals.
These may include:
• Budgeting and money skills.
• Computer knowledge and use.
• How to use a cell phone or tablet.
• Getting a drivers license.
The Disabled Citizens Society (Otago) Inc have a very active Social Club run by staff, parents and volunteers that give their time to create opportunities for our employees and support people to experience many activities.
On the first Thursday in the month there is always a BBQ lunch. Every month there is at least one activity such as ten pin bowling, biking the rail trail, mystery bus tours and helping the DCC with the Chinese New Year.
Bus trips are also organised to various locations like the Catlins and Roxburgh to see the sights, plus there is a yearly 2 night camp away. On top of that there is always fundraising that needs to be done.
Aotearoa Disability Enterprises (ADE) is the national representative organisation supporting Disability Business Enterprises in New Zealand.
ADE is a charity and focuses on supporting and representing the disability enterprises around New Zealand. The purpose of the Aotearoa Disability Enterprises is to unlock the potential of neurodiverse people, empowering them to live self-determined lives through employment.
The ADE collective aims to connect disability enterprises from across New Zealand. Our member enterprises are located from Dargaville to Invercargill.
Each enterprise offers a range of quality services and products tailored to business and individual needs. Check out the enEach enterprise offers a range of quality services and products tailored to business and individual needs. Check out the enterprises in your area below.
Cargill Enterprises has a long history of providing exceptional services and making a positive impact on the community. Our commitment to quality, sustainability, and social responsibility has been recognised with the following awards and certifications:
Any donations to the Disabled Citizens Society (Otago) Inc will assist in maintaining Cargill Enterprises as a modern employer providing a work option for people living with a disability. The Society has charitable status and making a donation enables you to claim a tax rebate.
Please email admin@cargill.kiwi if you would like to offer your time as a volunteer.
One of the most impactful ways you can support Disabled Citizens Society (Otago) Inc is by pledging a gift in your will. It won’t cost anything during your lifetime, but it will help support us support our employees.
For over 60 years, we've been proudly delivering quality products and services through inclusive employment.
