Ever wish you had a magic card that gave you discounts at thousands of stores? Well, Farmlands has something pretty close to that. Let me break down exactly how to become a Farmlands shareholder in the simplest way possible.
What You’re Actually Getting
Think of Farmlands like a special members-only club. When you join, you get a card that unlocks discounts at over 7,000 locations throughout New Zealand. We’re talking stores, suppliers, and partners everywhere from Kaitaia to Invercargill.
The best part? You also get discounts at Farmlands’ own stores, plus exclusive deals that regular shoppers can’t access. 
The Price Tag (No Hidden Surprises)
Here’s what it actually costs:
The One-Time Payment: $500
To join the club, you buy 500 shares at $1 each. That’s $500 total. You can either pay it all at once ($500), or split it into four payments: one $200 payment, then three $100 payments.
Think of this like buying a lifetime membership card. That $500 stays yours as shares in the co-operative.
The Yearly Fee: $65 + GST per card
Every January, you’ll pay an annual fee of $74.75 (that’s $65 plus GST) for each card on your account.
Got multiple people in your family or business who need cards? Each extra card adds another $74.75 per year. So if you have 1 card that’s $74.75 per year, 2 cards equals $149.50 per year, and 5 cards totals $373.75 per year.
If You Get a Card Mid-Year
Don’t worry, they won’t charge you for the full year. They’ll only charge for the months remaining. For example, if you sign up in June, you’ll only pay for seven months until the next billing date in February.
What You Need to Sign Up
Getting started is actually pretty straightforward. You’ll need time (set aside 30 minutes to fill out the online application), your basic personal or business information details, and bank statements. If you’re applying as an individual (not a business), they’ll ask for your last three months of bank statements to meet legal requirements. And you’ll need patience, because the form auto-saves, so if you can’t finish in one go, come back to it later.
The Sign-Up Process (Step by Step)
Step 1: Fill Out the Application
Head to the Farmlands website and complete their online form. It’s designed to be simple, but thorough enough to set up your account properly.
Step 2: Wait for Approval
They’ll review your application. For personal accounts, this is when they’ll contact you about those bank statements.
Step 3: Get Your Card
Once approved, your shiny new Farmlands Card arrives in the mail.
Step 4: Set Your PIN
Take your card to any Farmlands store with your ID (driver’s license, passport, or firearms license) and set up your PIN. This keeps your account secure.
Step 5: Start Saving
You’re officially in the club. Start using your card at any of those 7,000+ locations.
How the Card Actually Works
Here’s the thing: the Farmlands Card isn’t a credit card, even though it has a credit limit. It’s more like a monthly account.
You use the card throughout the month, and then you pay the full balance by the 20th of the following month. Simple as that. Everything gets consolidated into one monthly bill, which makes life easier (and it’s IRD-approved, so great for business purposes).
The Real Savings: What Discounts Actually Look Like
This is where it gets exciting. Farmlands members saved over $48 million collectively last year. Here’s what you can actually save at some of New Zealand’s biggest retailers:
Fuel Discounts (Every Tank Counts)
You’ll get 12 cents per litre off at Z, Caltex, and Challenge stations. That’s around $6-$8 off every 50-litre tank. If you fill up weekly, that’s roughly $300-$400 saved per year just on fuel.
Hardware and Building Supplies
At Mitre 10, you typically get 10-15% off most items (some products get 5%, a few get no discount). Bunnings offers exclusive trade pricing on thousands of products (often better than standard trade cards). MAC Utes gives you discounts on aluminium hard lids and ute accessories.
Electronics and Appliances
Noel Leeming is a big one. Discounts can range from 10% up to 30% on some items. You can add your Farmlands Card to your online Noel Leeming account and see the discount before you buy. Real example from a member: they saved $85 on work boots and got massive discounts on appliances.
Everyday Shopping
The Warehouse typically offers 2.5-5% off purchases. Briscoes accepts Farmlands Card with member discounts. Repco gives around 5% off auto parts and accessories. Gilmours provides access to wholesale prices (normally members-only).
Other Useful Partners
NZ Safety Blackwoods offers big discounts on work gear and safety equipment. Meridian Energy provides a 2% shareholder rebate plus an additional 2% partnership discount (4% total off power bills). Various local cafes and restaurants offer small discounts that add up over time.
How the Discounts Appear
The discounts work in two ways. Some retailers show the lower price immediately when you use your card (instant discounts). Other retailers charge you full price, then the discount appears as a rebate on your monthly Farmlands statement. Either way, you’re saving money. Some members report saving $7,000+ per year across all their purchases.
The Math That Makes It Worth It
Let’s say you’re a lifestyle block owner or farmer who regularly buys supplies. Here’s a realistic scenario. With monthly fuel you save $30-40 (from the 12c per litre discount). Hardware purchases save you $50-100 per month (from the 10-15% off at Mitre 10 and Bunnings). One appliance purchase saves $200-500 (Noel Leeming discount). Your power bill saves $20-30 per month (4% Meridian discount). Miscellaneous purchases save $30-50 per month. Your total annual savings could be $1,500-$3,000 or more.
That $500 initial investment and $75 annual fee suddenly looks pretty smart, right?
The Perks You’ll Actually Use
Beyond the discounts, you get one monthly bill instead of juggling multiple accounts with everything on one statement (IRD-approved for business purposes). There’s a mobile app to track your spending, view savings, block cards if lost, and find nearby Card Partners from your phone. FarmlandsPRO is a special ordering tool for rural supplies that makes purchasing and tracking orders a breeze. You get nationwide access to over 7,000 Card Partner locations from Kaitaia to Invercargill. Plus there’s an annual shareholder rebate, where if Farmlands has a profitable year, you may receive a bonus payment.
Need Help?
Stuck on something? Farmlands has several ways to get help. You can call 0800 200 600, email [email protected] (for sign-up questions) or [email protected] (for general queries), or visit any Farmlands store.
Lost Your Card?
Life happens. If your card gets lost or stolen, call 0800 200 600 immediately. They’ll cancel it and send you a new one. There’s a small $11.50 replacement fee (that’s $10 plus GST).
Want Extra Cards?
Need cards for other family members or employees? Just fill out an additional card application form online. Each person will need to provide proof of identity and address, and you’ll pay that $74.75 annual fee per card (pro-rated if you’re adding cards mid-year).
The Bottom Line
For $500 upfront and less than $75 per year, you get access to discounts at thousands of locations across New Zealand. If you regularly shop at rural suppliers, hardware stores, fuel stations, or any of Farmlands’ partner network, the savings can easily pay for the membership many times over.
Plus, those shares you bought? They’re yours. You’re not just a customer; you’re part-owner of a co-operative.
It’s pretty straightforward: pay the fee, get the card, save money. No complicated formulas, no hidden costs, just honest savings at thousands of locations.
Ready to join? Head to Farmlands’ website and start your application. Your wallet will thank you.
