Production Kitchen Cook

North Island - Waikato; Hamilton; On-site; NZD 52,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora is seeking a Production Kitchen Cook for Waikato Hospital in Hamilton. Join a dedicated team responsible for preparing and serving thousands of meals daily, with a 40-hour week and 6.00am–8.30pm shifts.

NZ residency is required and weekend/public holiday work may be required. The ideal applicant will have a real love for food, a strong grasp of food safety, and the ability to lead kitchen assistants while maintaining high standards.

Qualifications

• Interest in food and proven ability in its preparation.
• Good understanding of food safety principles.
• Maintain high standards for self and the food prepared.
• Provide direction to assistants fairly and consistently.

Skills

Food safety

Teamwork

English communication

Reliability

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.

North Island - Waikato – Hamilton, North Island

Production Kitchen Cook Waikato Hospital

• Full Time

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

Are you an enthusiastic and experienced chef / cook / kitchen assistant, looking for a challenge? Our friendly team prepares and serves over 2500 meals a day for our clients as well as providing 250 meals for Meals on Wheels customers.

We offer great conditions, a 40-hour week; Hours of work are 8-hour shifts between 6.00am & 8.30pm, weekend duties and working on public holidays may be required.

The ideal applicant would:

• Have a real interest in food and a proven ability in its preparation.
• Have a good understanding of food safety principles and demonstrate this in their work
• Maintain high standards for themselves and the food they prepare
• Be able to provide direction to their assistants fairly and consistently
• Be a team player with a positive attitude
• Have excellent communication skills, both spoken and written English
• possess an exceptional work ethic and enjoy what they do
• Work well under pressure and within timeframes
• Extremely reliable and with a great attendance record
• Applicants must have NZ residency

The salary for this position will be based on experience and in line with the Etū agreement.

About the Team/Service

Nutrition & Food Services provides high quality, safe, and efficient food services that support the nutritional wellbeing of our patients and community.

About Waikato

The Waikato region is a dynamic mix of stunning scenery and cultural richness, providing a variety of experiences for every age. Whether you're catching epic surf, discovering breathtaking underground wonders, or immersing yourself in the magic of a famous movie landscape, there's something for everyone to enjoy.

About Hamilton

Waikato Hospital is a major regional hospital in Hamilton and is a leading tertiary teaching hospital located in Hamilton, New Zealand, serving as the regional hub for the Midland area, which includes the Waikato, Bay of Plenty, Lakes, Tairawhiti, and Taranaki districts. With around 722 inpatient beds, 22 operating theatres, and a dedicated outpatient clinic and procedure centre, Waikato Hospital provides comprehensive hospital services, including radiology, laboratory, and pharmacy. As a major teaching hospital with affiliations to the University of Auckland, University of Waikato, and Wintec, it offers a dynamic learning environment and access to research opportunities. The hospital is equipped with advanced diagnostic and treatment facilities located on the Waiora Waikato Hospital Campus, with both road and air ambulance support.

Hamilton, where Waikato Hospital is situated, is a vibrant city nestled alongside the scenic Waikato River, offering a perfect mix of nature and culture. Explore the stunning Hamilton Gardens, home to themed gardens from Italy to Asia, or visit the Waikato Museum to delve into the region's rich history. The city also boasts the Hamilton Zoo, where you can walk through an aviary filled with native birds. Hamilton is a lively hub, with a variety of cafes, restaurants, and bars, along with events like rugby, cricket, and the famous National Agricultural Fieldays and Balloons over Waikato festival. With its vibrant atmosphere and proximity to outdoor adventures, Hamilton is an ideal place to live and work.

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.