Kitchen Assistant - Zac's Cafe
- Kitchen Assistant - Zac's Café । Hawke’s Bay Fallen Soldier’s Hospital
- Permanent, Part-Time । 40 hours per fortnight (0.5 FTE)
- Make a meaningful contribution to a service that supports the wellbeing of the hospital community every day.
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
We are seeking an energetic and reliable Kitchen Assistant to join the team at Zacs Café within Hawke’s Bay Fallen Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital. In this role, you’ll help deliver exceptional customer service to staff, patients, visitors and whānau while supporting the smooth running of our café and kitchen operation.
You’ll work closely with cooks and fellow kitchen assistants to prepare ready‑to‑eat items, follow Food Control Plan (FCP) requirements, portion food accurately, and maintain high standards of hygiene and cleanliness. Responsibilities include dishwashing, pre‑washing equipment, cleaning work areas and equipment according to duty lists and schedules, maintaining barista skills, and helping minimise waste through good food‑handling and recycling practices.
This role actively contributes to a positive team culture and safe working environment, ensuring every customer enjoys a friendly, efficient and welcoming experience.
Please click here to view the position description
About the Team/Service/ Location
As part of the Nutrition & Food Services team at Hawke’s Bay Hospital, you’ll join a hardworking group of kitchen assistants, cooks and food service staff committed to providing excellent service to the hospital community.
You will collaborate with a range of internal teams including orderlies, nursing staff and wider food service colleagues, as well as engage directly with members of the public and hospital staff. The team values teamwork, communication, cultural safety and maintaining a warm, supportive environment for both customers and staff.
For more information on living and working in Hawke’s Bay click HERE
About you
You are a positive, customer‑focused individual who enjoys working in a busy café environment and takes pride in delivering great service. You bring a friendly approach, good communication skills and a willingness to get stuck into a variety of tasks.
You will have:
Essential
- Experience working in food service (ideally 1–3 years)
- Proven customer service skills
- Food hygiene certificate
- Ability to follow processes, instructions and Food Control Plan requirements
- Effective communication skills
- A positive, problem‑solving attitude
- Ability to engage respectfully with Māori staff, patients and whānau
- Physical fitness and strength — able to kneel, squat, stand/walk for an eight‑hour shift, lift up to 10kg, and carry out repetitive tasks safely
Desired
- Relevant qualification (NZQA‑recognised)
- Understanding of customer service principles
- Understanding of organisational values and expectations
- Barista qualification or practical experience preparing espresso‑based beverages in a fast‑paced environment
You’ll also bring reliability, initiative, awareness of health and safety, and the ability to work well both independently and as part of a close‑knit team.
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 service our community. We welcome applications from our diverse Māori, Pacific, disabled, and rainbow communities.
How to Apply
To apply please click “apply now.” All applications must be submitted through our online careers’ portal by 5th March 2026. If you have any questions about the role, please contact Dawn Tyler । dawn.tyler@hbdhb.govt.nz
We will review applications as received and may proceed with the recruitment process, before the closing date of this advert.
Whilst Health New Zealand is undergoing change, affected employees will be given preference and priority for this position.
