Cook

Cook Position at Te Herenga Waka - Victoria University of Wellington

Are you passionate about creating nutritious meals that delight children and support their development? Do you have a certificate in food handling or willingness to undertake one? Have you been looking for a permanent, part-time role?

About the role

Te Herenga Waka - Victoria University of Wellington is currently recruiting for a permanent, part-time Cook to join the Ngā Ratonga Kohungahunga - University Kids Wellington team at Clermont Terrace, Kelburn.

Key responsibilities:

• Support Children's Well-being:
  • Prepare and serve delicious, nutritious meals tailored to individual needs, allergies, and cultural preferences.
  • Create a safe, welcoming kitchen environment and involve children in food preparation to foster positive relationships with food.
  • Assist with supervision and respond flexibly to children's nutritional needs, including bottle prep and snacks.
• Build Strong Relationships with Families:
  • Provide exceptional customer service and communicate openly with parents about menus, nutrition, and food safety.
  • Share recipes, invite input into menu planning, and ensure parents feel confident and respected.
• Collaborate with Colleagues and the University:
  • Maintain high standards of professionalism, time management, and teamwork.
  • Engage in ongoing learning and contribute positively to the centre's culture and compliance with regulations.
• Maintain Excellence in Kitchen Operations:
  • Ensure food is prepared and presented to the highest standards.
  • Uphold health and safety protocols, manage inventory responsibly, and maintain a clean, organized kitchen.
  • Ensure food is served on time and ready for children to eat.
  • Work without supervision and demonstrate excellent time management skills.
  • Ensure the kitchen area is kept in a tidy state so that it creates a positive impression to parents and visitors of the centre. Direct others to remove items, clear mess if necessary.

About you

You will:

• Be a warm, patient, and proactive individual who loves working with children.
• Have a strong knowledge of nutrition, food safety, and early childhood dietary needs.
• Excellent time management and the ability to work independently and a commitment to continuous improvement and respectful collaboration.

Key requirements:

• Ability to work within a budget.
• Certificate in food handling - or willingness to undertake.
• Current first aid certificate - or willingness to undertake.
• A satisfactory Police vet record.
• Good basic computing skills.
• This role requires repeated lifting and physical fitness.

Close date for vacancy: 22 October 2026.

Contact details for vacancy: If you have any questions regarding this role please get in touch with Maria-Louisa Maresca, Head of Complex, Clermont Terrace (maria-louisa.maresca@vuw.ac.nz).

How to apply: Please ensure you are applying for this role directly on our careers page and not via email. Candidates must submit supporting documents along with their resume, such as a cover letter. Applicants who do not have residency or citizenship and require a visa to work at the University must clearly indicate their visa status in their application and understand that if they do not have a current, relevant visa, they will need to secure this independently.

Mō Te Herenga Waka - About Our University

Te Herenga Waka - Victoria University of Wellington is renowned for its high-quality research and exceptional teaching. We attract people from around the world. Our university campus spans Te Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington - the creative, scientific and political centre of Aotearoa New Zealand - and our students thrive on the connections we have made here.

Explore the many benefits of working at Te Herenga Waka - Victoria University of Wellington. Find out where you fit in our strategic direction and learn more about our research expertise.

Ētahi kōrero hai āwhina i a koe - Why you should join our team Join Ngā Ratonga Kohungahunga - University Kids Wellington! Be part of a vibrant team dedicated to nurturing tamariki (children) from birth to school age. Our centres, Fairlie Terrace and Clermont Terrace, offer a warm, inclusive environment where children can play, learn, and grow. With flexible options and a focus on holistic development, you'll help create a home-away-from-home for our community's youngest members. Make a difference every day!