Kitchen Assistant - KPKA

Tauhara North No.2 Trust was founded on its whakapapa, whenua, and whānau connections. As kaitiaki for the whenua we have developed the geothermal resources with the whakataukī to hold fast to the land and make use of the land for the wellbeing of Ngā uri whakatipuranga. Since 1991 when the Trust was formed their investment diversification has grown to include farming, horticulture, geothermal energy and tourism.

Ka Pai Kai is a social enterprise which provides tamariki affordable healthy lunch options in schools. Ka Pai Kai Aotearoa’s mission is to nourish the minds of our future generation. We do this by making healthy and delicious school lunches, fresh to order each day.

We’re looking for a reliable and motivated Kitchen Assistant to join our Rotorua team. This role supports the daily preparation, cooking, and delivery of wholesome meals to schools and the wider community.

The Kitchen Assistant at Ka Pai Kai Aotearoa plays a key role in supporting the kitchen team to ensure that all food preparation and service run smoothly and efficiently. This position involves a variety of tasks aimed at maintaining high standards of cleanliness, organisation, and food safety within the kitchen environment.

Key responsibilities include:

• Prepare, cook and assemble all food products required for school lunches
• Ensure food production follows KPKA menus, recipes, and methods of cookery
• Maintain safe work practices in line with standard operational procedures, health & safety processes, food safety (HACCAP) & employee wellbeing in all kitchens
• Prepare, cook, deliver and provide service for all KPKA catering requirements.
• Complete accurate reporting in KPKA food health and safety platform.
• Follow and adhere to KPKA operations manual requirements
• Provide feedback of new food ideas
• Assist with receiving all stock for production and all stock take requirements
• Advise Food Production Manager and Food Production Supervisors of any surplus stock, ensuring all stock is stored and rotated correctly, including labelling & dating
• Advise Site management team of site repairs and maintenance
• Advise team members of any role number changes to ensure production levels are adjusted accordingly
• Methodically pack all food products for School lunch program and ensure safe delivery to each site in a timely manner
• Always ensure a clean and tidy workspace. Wash & store all dishes as required
• Know your daily, weekly work plan
• Safely operate KPKA vehicles for logistical requirements and at all times ensure compliance of all vehicles & drivers
• Maintain the KPKA fleet to a high standard cleanliness, be competent with logistics SOP’s

This position requires a proactive approach to work, attention to detail, and a strong ability to work collaboratively within a team. The Kitchen Assistant must be adaptable to changing demands in a fast-paced environment while contributing positively to the overall kaupapa of feeding our tamariki.

Required skills:

• Up to 2 years’ experience in a commercial or production kitchen is preferred.
• Basic cookery knowledge and a commitment to food safety.
• A full driver’s licence is essential.
• First Aid Certificate is preferred.
• Great teamwork, communication, and time management skills.
• An understanding or appreciation of tikanga Māori values and practices.

All applicants must have NZ residency or a valid work visa, and the preferred applicants will be required to undergo pre-employment checks including Ministry of Justice and Drug and Alcohol testing.

For further information about the position or to request a position description feel free to contact our Human Resources team by emailing [email protected]

Applications for the position close Wednesday, 25th February 2025 or until suitable candidates are found.