Residential Cook at Oranga Tamariki—Ministry for Children, Otago

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

He taonga te mokopuna, kia whāngaia, kia tipu, kia rea!

We have a vacancy for a Residential Cook at Puketai, our Care & Protection Residence in Dunedin.

• Permanent part-time position
• 16-24 Hours per week (working every Saturday and Sunday with one other weekday being negotiable)
• Salary starting from $54,080-$57,901 (pro rata) dependant of experience

Mō mātou | About us 

Oranga Tamariki — Ministry for Children is the Ministry that supports children and young people in New Zealand.

Oranga Tamariki has a commitment to putting tamariki and rangatahi at the heart of what we do and works to advance the wellbeing and positive long-term outcomes of children and young people.  
 

Mō te tūnga | About the role

In this busy role, you will be working with the Residence Chef in planning menus for the tamariki and rangatahi in our secure care Residence, and you will usually be working independently to prepare and cook those meals on your rostered days at work.

Your great organisational skills will see you prepare quality meals, on time, in an environment that is sometimes challenging - but very rewarding.

We are looking for someone who is passionate about preparing quality meals to a group of approx. 15-20 people of all ages, and for someone who takes pride in their work

We are eager to welcome a new staff member into our team, who will help support the operation of our secure Residence.

Ngā pūmanawatanga ōu | What you will bring

Key requirements of the role include:

• Experience as a cook for medium-large groups
• Understanding of workplace health and safety requirements, including safe food handling
• Strong relationship building skills
• Effective organisation, planning, and time management skills
• Ability to work well as part of a team
• Ability to work unsupervised and able to use your initiative
• Full clean valid New Zealand driver's licence is preferred
• Understanding and appreciation of cross-cultural practices

Nōu te rourou | What's in it for you

If you want to work in a meaningful role where you can really make a difference to the lives of young people, please apply now!

Oranga Tamariki offer an impartial remuneration package, that offers progression annually for experience through tenure.

We offer training and professional development so that you can thrive and grow. We welcome diversity and are committed to working in an inclusive and respectful way.

This is your opportunity to apply your skills and experience to the wellbeing of tamariki and rangatahi. 

To see all the benefits of working for Oranga Tamariki, please visit https://mahi.orangatamariki.govt.nz/working-with-us/employee-benefits/

Me pēhea te tuku tono  | How to Apply

Apply online with your CV and Covering Letter.

If you are an Oranga Tamariki employee already, please ensure you apply with a log in using your Oranga Tamariki email address.

 If you have any questions about role, please contact Info_recruit@ot.govt.nz

Applications Close: 18 September 2026 at midnight!

Please note: we will be reviewing applications and inviting candidates to interview prior to this date, so apply now!

If you are interested in any of our vacancies, please ensure that you make yourself familiar with our code of conduct as it sets out our expectations for our kaimahi and requires you to present at work free from the influences of both drugs and alcohol.