Residential Chef

About Oranga Tamariki—Ministry for Children

Oranga Tamariki is dedicated to placing tamariki and rangatahi at the core of their mission, guided by values such as prioritizing tamariki, embracing aroha, respecting mana, maintaining tika and pono, valuing whakapapa, and understanding Oranga as a continuous journey. Their vision is to make New Zealand the best environment for children, partnering closely with hapū, iwi, and Māori organisations to provide suitable solutions for children in need.

Workplace Overview

Te Puna Wai Youth Justice Residence is a 24/7 secure residential center catering to young people aged 13-17 who are in care following Youth Court decisions. The main aim is to assist each young person in realizing their potential.

Position Summary

The Residential Chef will oversee all catering operations within the residence, including meal preparation for young residents and staff while adhering to a designated budget. The role also involves catering for additional groups and special events when required.

Key Responsibilities

• Create and plan nutritious menus.
• Maintain high standards of food quality and consistency.
• Manage kitchen stock and supplies efficiently.
• Delegate meal preparation and oversee kitchen tasks.
• Ensure compliance with health and safety standards at all times.
• Adapt to a fast-paced, sometimes high-pressure environment, adjusting priorities as necessary.
• Work every third weekend as part of the work schedule rather than a typical Monday to Friday routine.

Candidate Requirements

• Hold a current Food Hygiene Certificate and a Level 4 Certification in food preparation or be actively pursuing it.
• Possess 3-5 years of experience in catering or related food and beverage services.
• Demonstrated ability in designing creative and wholesome menus.
• Proven skills in cost control and inventory management.
• High attention to detail paired with the ability to work efficiently under pressure.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the capacity to build rapport across diverse backgrounds.
• Experience in training, leading, and supervising teams, especially under demanding circumstances, while also being a cooperative team member.
• Legal authorization to work in New Zealand.
• Possession of a full New Zealand driver's license.
• Ability to successfully complete safety checks and police vetting as mandated by the Children's Act (note that the Clean Slate policy does not apply).

Compensation and Benefits

The salary range is competitive, starting from $62,500 to $68,781 annually depending on experience, plus KiwiSaver contributions. The role offers a supportive, engaging work environment with a genuine focus on employee wellbeing, valuing diversity and inclusivity. This is an excellent opportunity to use your expertise to positively impact rangatahi wellbeing.

Additional Information

Applications close on Friday 14th August 2026. Early applications are encouraged as candidates may be contacted before the official closing date. Oranga Tamariki expects all hires to uphold its code of conduct, including being free from the influence of drugs and alcohol while at work.