Kitchen Assistant

Kitchen Assistant (seasonal)

Fixed Term: Now – End of April

Minimum 30 hours / week,  Maximum 40 hours / week

Do you enjoy the buzz of a commercial kitchen and want to learn kitchen skills from supportive, experienced chefs?

We are looking for a kitchen assistant to join our team on a fixed term basis until the end of April 2026. An entry level position in our culinary team offers the opportunity to learn valuable skills and contribute to our exceptional guest experience.

With an on-site vegetable garden and a focus on local suppliers, our kitchen team work together to curate some of the finest dishes with world influences. Located on a deer farm just 11km north of Kaikoura, we are surrounded by spectacular mountain and ocean scenery, offering a relaxed contemporary dining experience to showcase New Zealand cuisine in a truly authentic way.

As our Kitchen Assistant you'll work closely with the Kitchen team to maintain an organised and hygienic environment, as well as the opportunity to learn technical skills to help prepare and present exceptional dishes to impress our guests.

Your duties will include:

• Wash dishes / utensils and putting them away
• Clean all kitchen surfaces, including floors and equipment
• Disposing of rubbish and recycling
• Use of proper cleaning methods and safe use of materials/chemicals
• Support chefs with food preparation tasks, following instructions
• Ensure compliance with food safety, hygiene, and health & safety standards
• Communicate clearly and effectively within the kitchen and across departments
• Uphold a clean, organised, and efficient workstation at all times

Who we are looking for:

• Knowledge of food safety and kitchen procedures
• Team-first attitude, ability to follow instructions and willingness to learn
• Calm and positive communication skills
• Excellent organisation and time-management skills
• Flexibility to work a range of shifts, including weekends and public holidays
• Professional presentation for our open kitchen

You'll enjoy:

• Being part of a creative and close knit kitchen team
• Contributing to the smooth flow of our kitchen operations
• Learning skills to progress in a commercial kitchen
• Working in a team that values work-life balance; enjoying all the adventures Kaikoura and the region has to offer
• Staff perks, including discounted food and beverage

To apply you must have a valid work visa and be available until the end of April to be considered.