The study identified 14 AMR-associated genes, including blaI, blaR1, blaZ, tet(38), merR1, and norB4, in S. aureus isolates from New Zealand dairy cattle. These genes were associated with resistance to penicillin, tetracycline, mercury, and ciprofloxacin. The presence of resistance genes remained low, and no significant associations were found between resistance genes and antimicrobial usage or dry cow therapy.