Kitchen Assistant

Kitchen Assistant

Are you an enthusiastic and experienced chef/cook/kitchen assistant, looking for a challenge? Our friendly team prepares and serves meals each day for our clients as well as providing meals for Meals on Wheels customers.

We offer great conditions, minimum 19 hours per week with the ability to pick up more; hours of work are 8 hour shifts between 6.00am & 8.30pm, weekend duties and working on public holidays may be required.

The ideal applicant would:

• Have a real interest in food and a proven ability in its preparation.
• Have a good understanding of food safety principles and demonstrates this in their work
• Have high standards for both themselves and the food they are preparing
• Be able to provide direction to their assistants fairly and consistently
• Be a team player with a positive attitude
• Have excellent communication skills, both spoken and written English possess an exceptional work ethic and enjoy what they do Work well under pressure and within timeframes
• Extremely reliable and with a great attendance record
• Applicants must have NZ residency

The salary for this position will be based on experience and in line with the Etū agreement.

Located in the heart of The Coromandel, Thames is a charming town steeped in history and surrounded by stunning natural beauty. The area offers a mix of colonial architecture, a vibrant arts scene, and a rich cultural heritage, including Māori history and the town's gold mining past. Outdoor enthusiasts will find endless opportunities to explore the Coromandel Ranges and Kauaeranga Valley with hiking and camping right on your doorstep. Thames also marks the beginning of the Hauraki Rail Trail, perfect for cycling through the region’s scenic landscapes. With an abundance of cafés, boutique shops, and local attractions, Thames provides a perfect balance of adventure, relaxation, and community. It's an ideal place to build your career while enjoying the serene beauty and lifestyle of the Coromandel.

The ideal candidate will:

• Have the ability to work well in a fast-paced environment, juggle various tasks and still have a welcoming smile
• Have excellent attention to detail along with dietary/allergen experience
• A strong background within the food sector
• A relentless positive attitude every shift, the ability to see what needs to be done and the willingness to jump in and get it done.
• Must be computer literate, able to use excel, outlook and other software relevant to the position

To apply please click Apply online or apply via our Waikato Careers website by clicking here. All applications must be submitted through our online careers portal before 11:59 pm on 5 October 2026. If you have any questions about the role, please contact Ekeraam Jones at Ekeraam.Jones@TeWhatuOra.govt.nz

Applicants for this position must have NZ residency and be able to communicate effectively in both spoken and written English.

We will review applications as received and may proceed with the recruitment process, before the closing date of this advert.