Luxury Lodge Chef

Poronui; Taupo; On-site; NZD 48,000 - 64,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Travel allowance

Onsite accommodation

Job summary

Poronui, a luxury sporting lodge near Taupo, is seeking an experienced Chef to join our team. You will work with the head chef to grow our food repertoire and deliver a distinctive dining experience across four locations, each with its own styling.

We value passionate cooks with attention to plating, flexibility, and leadership. Remuneration is excellent and may include onsite accommodation or a travel allowance for journeys over 35 km. A NZ residency or work permit is required.

Qualifications

• Experience in high-quality culinary environments.
• Willingness to adapt to changing menus and seasons.
• Attention to plating details and presentation.

Responsibilities

• Prepare meals across four locations with distinct dining styles.
• Collaborate with head chef to expand the food repertoire and guest experience.
• Oversee kitchen operations and maintain high standards of quality and hygiene.

Skills

Culinary expertise

Team leadership

Plating accuracy

Baking

Menu adaptation

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.

Poronui is a Luxury Sporting Lodge and is located near Taupo.

Our Vision is to provide all our guests with a unique 5 star experience and aim for the highest standards in all aspects of our guests stay.

Our busy property is looking for an experienced, forward thinking Chef who is passionate about culinary arts and hospitality to join our team. You will work with the head chef to grow our food repertoire and create a unique experience for our guests.

In this position you will be responsible for the kitchens and preparing meals in our 4 unique locations each with its own style of dining - from luxe camping to our underground wine cellar

The attributes & qualities you will have are:

• personable and friendly (We operate our open kitchens with people at the pass engaging with our chefs)
• a passion about great food & culinary trends
• attention to detail when plating
• an interest in home style baking
• experienced with a good work history (training is provided for certain jobs)
• flexible quickly picking up new techniques and styles with our changing menus through the seasons
• natural leadership skills coping well with change
• a team player – with a focus of working with the whole team until the job is complete
• Public Holidays with the team working during the busy period

Our chefs focus on all aspects of food at Poronui from breakfast to dinner including lunches, canapes, home baking, and afternoon teas. We expect the same level of passion for whatever is produced.

Candidates for this position require a current full driving license, vehicle, New Zealand residency or a current work permit.

Excellent remuneration based on experience – along with a $45.00 per workday travel allowance if required more than 35 kilometers from Poronui. Or the possibility of onsite accommodation.

This role is for 30 - 45 hours per week.

For any questions please contact Claire Hall, Lodge Manager