Cook

Waikatodhbnewsroom; Hastings; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A healthcare organization in Hastings, New Zealand is seeking a Cook to join their Nutrition & Food Service team. The Cook will be responsible for preparing high-quality meals for patients and staff while ensuring strict food safety standards are met. Ideal candidates will have experience in bulk food cooking, strong customer service skills, and a commitment to hygiene and safety. This role offers an opportunity to contribute to patient well-being and a positive team culture.

Qualifications

• Experience in bulk food cooking (ideally 13 years).
• Strong understanding of safe food practices.
• Physical capability to work safely including standing for long periods.

Responsibilities

• Prepare high-quality meals for patients and staff.
• Collaborate with kitchen assistants and other cooks.
• Ensure meals are produced on time and meet safety standards.

Skills

Bulk food cooking

Customer service

Problem-solving

Effective communication

Education

Food Safety Certificate

Job description

Permanent, Full-time 80 hours per fortnight (1 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 Cook within our Nutrition & Food Service team, you’ll play an important part in providing high‑quality meals for patients, Meals on Wheels customers, and staff. Your day will include preparing a range of cooked dishes, baked items, and short‑order café meals, all while following strict food safety and hygiene standards. You’ll help ensure meals are produced on time, portioned correctly, and consistently meet the needs of those we serve.

This is a hands‑on, fast‑paced role where you’ll work collaboratively with kitchen assistants and other cooks, contribute ideas for new dishes, keep your workspace clean, and support a positive team culture. Every meal you prepare directly supports the wellbeing of people in our care – making this a rewarding opportunity to contribute to better health outcomes in the Hawkes Bay community.

About the Team/Service/ Location

You’ll be part of the Nutrition & Food Service department at Hawkes Bay Fallen Soldiers Memorial Hospital. Our team prepares and delivers meals to patients, the onsite café, and community clients. You’ll work closely with the Food Service Dietitian and kitchen team members in a supportive, collaborative environment focused on quality, efficiency, and great customer service.

Hawkes Bay offers excellent work‑life balance, sun, beaches, exceptional outdoor adventures, great schools, mountains and skiing close by, wonderful food and stunning wineries, vibrant cities and plenty more to boast about, click HERE to take a closer look at what Hawkes Bay has to offer.

About you

As a Cook, you will bring:

• Experience in bulk food cooking (ideally 13 years)
• A Food Safety Certificate and strong understanding of safe food practices
• Proven customer service skills and the ability to work well with others
• A positive attitude, good problem‑solving skills, and effective communication
• Physical capability to work safely – including standing for long periods, lifting up to 10 kg, and performing tasks requiring agility
• Commitment to following food safety plans, hygiene standards, and health & safety procedures
• Understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi in practice and a commitment to equity

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 serve our community. We welcome applications from our diverse Māori, Pacific, disabled, and rainbow communities.

How to Apply

To review the position profile, click HERE. To apply please click ‘apply now’. All applications must be submitted through our online careers portal. If you have any questions about the role, please contact Dawn Tyler via email at [e-mail]

We will review applications as received and may proceed with the recruitment process before the closing date of this advert.

Job details

Job Reference: HAW09457

Location: North Island - Hawkes Bay - Hastings

Job type: Non‑clinical - Food Services - Food Services