Kitchen Assistant - Part time

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora; Hastings; On-site; NZD 29,000 - 37,000; Part time

Job summary

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora is seeking a Kitchen Assistant for Hawke’s Bay Hospital. You will join the Nutrition & Food Service team, assisting in serving meals that meet dietary needs and supporting patient wellbeing.

This hands-on role requires teamwork, attention to hygiene, and the ability to work in a fast-paced hospital environment. A food hygiene certificate is desirable, with opportunities to progress within a dedicated clinical service.

Qualifications

• Have food service experience (desirable).
• Have a food hygiene certificate (desirable).
• Be an effective communicator and have a positive, problem-solving attitude.
• Be physically fit: able to lift 10kg, stand/walk for shifts, squat/kneel.
• Have an understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and ability to engage effectively with Māori.

Responsibilities

• Serve nutritious, well-portioned meals that meet patient dietary needs.
• Work with cooks and kitchen assistants to deliver meals on time.
• Maintain high standards of cleanliness by washing dishes and sanitising equipment.
• Follow strict food safety protocols to ensure safe kitchen operations.
• Contribute to a safe, welcoming kitchen environment that supports patient wellbeing.

Skills

Food service experience

Food hygiene certificate

Communication

Physical fitness

Understanding Te Tiriti o Waitangi

Job description

• Permanent, Part - Time 39 hours per fortnight (0.4875 FTE)

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora is firmly grounded in the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and is committed to building a health system that serves all New Zealanders.

About the Role

As a Kitchen Assistant at Hawkes Bay Hospital, youll be part of a dedicated team that plays a vital role in patient care through food service.

Your day begins with serving nutritious, well - portioned meals that meet patient dietary needs.

You will work alongside cooks and fellow kitchen assistants in a fast - paced environment, ensuring meals are delivered accurately and on time.

Between meal services, youll maintain high standards of cleanliness - washing dishes, sanitising equipment, and following strict food safety protocols. Every task contributes to a safe, welcoming kitchen environment that supports patient wellbeing.

This is a hands - on role where your attention to detail, teamwork, and commitment to hygiene directly impact the hospitals ability to provide quality care.

Its a great opportunity for someone who enjoys physical work, values routine, and takes pride in being part of a service that truly makes a difference.

About the Team/Service/ Location

You will be joining the Nutrition & Food Service team - a collaborative group that works well with cooks and menu collators to ensure patients receive timely, nourishing meals.

The team is part of a wider clinical service that supports recovery and wellbeing through quality nutrition, aligned with Te Whatu Oras commitment to equity and excellence in healthcare.

About you

As a Kitchen Assistant you will:

• Have food service experience (desirable)
• Have a food hygiene certificate (desirable)
• Be an effective communicator and have a positive, problem-solving attitude
• Be physically fit: able to lift 10kg, stand/walk for shifts, squat/kneel
• Have an understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and ability to engage effectively with Māori

Working at Health New Zealand

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora is dedicated to ensuring excellent healthcare for the people of New Zealand. We embrace a workforce that is diverse and inclusive so that we are better positioned to understand and service our community. We welcome applications from our diverse Māori, Pacific, disabled, and rainbow communities.

All applications must be submitted through our online careers portal by 22 November 2026.

Job details

Job Reference:

Job Reference: HAW10290

Location:

North Island - Hawkes Bay - Hastings

Job type:

Expertise:

Non-clinical - Food Services - Food Services