Kitchenhand/chef Assistant

Zephyr Restaurant; Kaikōura, Blenheim, Picton; On-site; NZD 34,000 - 39,000; Part time

Job summary

Zephyr Restaurant in Kaikōura is seeking a Kitchen Hand / Chef’s Assistant for a casual seasonal role, approximately 20–25 hours per week. Start immediately through March with potential more hours in the full season.

The role involves basic prep, maintaining cleanliness, and supporting the kitchen team during busy service. A NZ work visa or residency is required, with a competitive hourly rate based on experience.

Qualifications

• Experience in a commercial kitchen
• Know how to handle basic hygiene and food safety practices
• Able to maintain performance under busy service times
• Reliable and punctual with a positive, team-focused attitude
• Must hold NZ work visa or residency

Responsibilities

• Assist chefs with basic prep, chopping, vegetable prep, and plate assembly.
• Maintain high standards of kitchen hygiene, wash dishes, pot-washing, and keep workstations clean and sanitized throughout service.
• Support the team and head chef to ensure a smooth, fast-paced service.

Skills

Kitchen experience

Food safety

Under pressure

Reliability

Team player

NZ work visa

Job description

Position: Kitchen Hand / Chef’s Assistant
Location: Zephyr Restaurant, Kaikōura
Employment Type: Casual seasonal position approximately 20-25 hours per week may include split shifts

Start immediately until the end of March maybe more hours in full season

Pay Rate: $25.00 – $28.00 per hour+8%loading+share of tips(based on experience)

About Us

We are a busy, passionate restaurant in Kaikoura dedicated to serving fresh, high-quality food in a welcoming team environment. We are looking for a reliable and hard-working Kitchen Hand / Chef’s Assistant to join our back-of-house team.

Role & Responsibilities

• Food Preparation: Assist chefs with basic prep, chopping, vegetable preparation, and-plate assembly.
• Kitchen Cleanliness: Maintain high standards of hygiene, wash dishes, pot-washing, and keep workstations clean and sanitized throughout service.
• Team Support: Work closely with the head chef and kitchen staff to ensure a smooth, fast-paced service.

What We Are Looking For

• Previous experience in a commercial kitchen (preferred, though a great attitude and willingness to learn are just as important).
• Good understanding of basic food safety and hygiene practices.
• Ability to work well under pressure in a fast-paced environment.
• Reliability, punctuality, and a strong team-player mindset.
• Must hold a valid New Zealand work visa or residency.
• Flexibility to work rostered shifts, split shifts, including weekends

What We Offer

• Supportive, friendly team culture with room to learn and grow.
• Competitive hourly rate based on experience