About this role
Mō Te Herenga Waka - About Our University
Te Herenga Waka - Victoria University of Wellington is renowned for its high-quality research and exceptional teaching. We attract people from around the world. Our university campus spans Te Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington - the creative, scientific and political centre of Aotearoa New Zealand - and our students thrive on the connections we have made here.
Explore the many benefits of working at Te Herenga Waka - Victoria University of Wellington. Find out where you fit in our strategic direction and learn more about our research expertise.
• Are you passionate about creating nutritious meals that delight children and support their development? • Do you have a certificate in food handling or willingness to undertake one? • Have you been looking for a permanent, part-time role? Kōrero mō te tūranga - About the role Te Herenga Waka - Victoria University of Wellington is currently recruiting for a permanent, part-time Cook to join the Ngā Ratonga Kohungahunga - University Kids Wellington team at Clermont Terrace, Kelburn. Key responsibilities:
• Support Children’s Well-being: • Prepare and serve delicious, nutritious meals tailored to individual needs, allergies, and cultural preferences. • Create a safe, welcoming kitchen environment and involve children in food preparation to foster positive relationships with food. • Assist with supervision and respond flexibly to children’s nutritional needs, including bottle prep and snacks.
• Build Strong Relationships with Families: • Provide exceptional customer service and communicate openly with parents about menus, nutrition, and food safety. • Share recipes, invite input into menu planning, and ensure parents feel confident and respected.
• Collaborate with Colleagues and the University: • Maintain high standards of professionalism, time management, and teamwork. • Engage in ongoing learning and contribute positively to the centre’s culture and compliance with regulations.
• Maintain Excellence in Kitchen Operations: • Ensure food is prepared and presented to the highest standards. • Uphold health and safety protocols, manage inventory responsibly, and maintain a clean, organized kitchen. • Ensure food is served on time and ready for children to eat. • Work without supervision and demonstrate excellent time management skills. • Ensure the kitchen area is kept in a tidy state so that it creates a positive impression to parents and visitors of the centre. Direct others to remove items, clear mess if necessary.
Ō pūmanawa - About you You will:
• Be a warm, patient, and proactive individual who loves working with children. • Have a strong knowledge of nutrition, food safety, and early childhood dietary needs. • Excellent time management and the ability to work independently and a commitment to continuous improvement and respectful collaboration. Key requirements:
• Ability to work within a budget. • Certificate in food handling - or willingness to undertake. • Current first aid certificate - or willingness to undertake. • A satisfactory Police vet record. • Good basic computing skills. • This role requires repeated lifting and physical fitness. Role Description: Click here to see further information, including salary details. If this link is not available, click 'apply' to view this on the University career's page. Close date for vacancy: 22 October 2026. Contact details for vacancy: If you have any questions regarding this role please get in touch with Maria-Louisa Maresca, Head of Complex, Clermont Terrace ([email protected]). How to apply: Please ensure you are applying for this role directly on our careers page and not via email. Candidates must submit supporting documents along with their resume, such as a cover letter. Applicants who do not have residency or citizenship and require a visa to work at the University must clearly indicate their visa status in their application and understand that if they do not have a current, relevant visa, they will need to secure this independently.