Kitchen Assistant - Part time

Health New Zealand - Te Whatu Ora Te Matau a Māui Hawke's Bay; Hawke's Bay; On-site; NZD 19,000 - 30,000; Part time

Job summary

Health New Zealand – Te Whatu Ora Te Matau a Māui Hawke's Bay is seeking a Kitchen Assistant at Hawkes Bay Hospital. The role involves serving nutritious meals to patients, working with the Nutrition & Food Service team, and maintaining strict hygiene in a fast‑paced environment.

You will assist cooks and other kitchen staff, ensure timely delivery of meals, and contribute to a safe, welcoming kitchen that supports patient wellbeing.

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 ensure meals are delivered accurately and on time.
• Maintain high standards of cleanliness – washing dishes, sanitising equipment, and following food safety protocols.

Skills

Food service experience

Food hygiene certificate

Effective communication

Physical fitness

Te Tiriti o Waitangi understanding

Job description

Kitchen Assistant - Hawkes Bay Fallen Soldiers Hospital

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, you’ll 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, you’ll 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 hospital’s ability to provide quality care. It’s 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.

Please click here to view the position description

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 Ora’s commitment to equity and excellence in healthcare.

For more information on living and working in Hawkes Bay clickHERE

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.