ECE Centre Cook (BestStart Ferry Road)

BestStart Education; Christchurch; On-site; NZD 36,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Whare Ako learning

Career growth and development

Discounted childcare

Referral bonus for qualified teachers*

Subsidised health insurance*

Free annual flu vaccinations

Confidential EAP support

Sick leave from day one

Additional week of leave after 10 yrs

Job summary

BestStart Ferry Road in Christchurch requires a Centre Cook for a permanent role, 30 hours per week from 8:30am to 3:00pm, Monday to Friday. You will prepare nutritious meals and snacks, cater to dietary needs, and uphold strict food safety standards for the children.

The upgraded kitchen, handover from the current cook, and a garden space offer practical resources. This role supports a community-focused centre dedicated to healthy eating and tamariki wellbeing.

Qualifications

• Passion for cooking and baking.
• Knowledge of food safety and kitchen hygiene.
• Understanding of dietary requirements and allergies.
• Strong organisational and time management skills.
• Confidence with menu planning, ordering, and budgeting.
• Commitment to promoting healthy eating for young children.

Responsibilities

• Prepare nutritious meals and snacks.
• Cater to dietary requirements and allergies.
• Maintain high food safety standards.
• Support positive food experiences for tamariki daily.

Skills

Cooking

Food safety

Dietary awareness

Organisational skills

Menu planning

Budgeting

Healthy eating

Job description

Jora New Zealand will close on 9th September 2026. Thank you for being with us, we are cheering you on as you continue your career journey.

At BestStart Ferry Road, our philosophy is "Where culture thrives." We are a welcoming, community-focused centre where every child and whānau feels a sense of belonging. We celebrate diversity, value each child's home culture, and build strong relationships that create a vibrant and connected centre community.

We're proud to be a Healthy Heart centre, working towards our next level of recognition, making this an exciting opportunity for a cook who is passionate about healthy eating and children's wellbeing.

Our kitchen has recently been upgraded with a new oven, cooktop, and steriliser, and offers plenty of storage and workspace. We also have a centre vegetable garden that you're welcome to utilise for fresh herbs and produce. The current cook has set the kitchen up for success and is available to provide a thorough handover and induction.

About the Role

We are looking for a passionate Cook to join our team in a permanent position, working 30 hours per week (8:30am to 3:00pm), Monday to Friday.

As our Centre Cook, you'll prepare nutritious meals and snacks, cater to dietary requirements, maintain high food safety standards, and help create positive food experiences for our tamariki each day.

We're Looking For Someone With:

• A passion for cooking and baking
• Knowledge of food safety and kitchen hygiene
• Understanding of dietary requirements and allergies
• Strong organisational and time management skills
• Confidence with menu planning, ordering, and budgeting
• A commitment to promoting healthy eating for young children

Why Choose BestStart?

• Ongoing learning through Whare Ako
• Career growth and development opportunities
• Discounted childcare
• $2,000 referral bonus for qualified teachers*
• Subsidised health insurance*
• Free annual flu vaccinations
• Confidential EAP support
• Sick leave from day one
• An additional week's leave after 10 years of service