Residential Cook - Epuni Care and Protection Residence Lower Hutt at Oranga Tamariki—Ministry for Children, Wellington

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

• Full Time Permanent Position available at our Lower Hutt site
• Remuneration starts between $54,080 to $57,901 per annum, dependent on experience 

Are you passionate about nourishing and supporting at-risk rangatahi? Join the team at Epuni Care and Protection Residence!

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 care, 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, supporting the operations of our secure residence.

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

This roster requires you to work a combination of mornings, days, evenings and weekends.

Ngā pūmanawatanga ōu | What you will bring:

Key requirements of the role include:

• Proven experience as a cook for large groups
• Understanding of health and safety, including food hygiene
• 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
• Understanding and appreciation of cross-cultural practices in particular; knowledge of tikanga Māori, and Pacific peoples' culture 
• Qualifications equivalent to NZQA level 2 or equivalent. Consideration will be given to applicants with 2 - 3 years' work experience and successful study towards a qualification

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, 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: Wednesday 14th October 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.