Support Kaimahi/Cook - Mana

• Close to natural scenery, supermarkets, and public transport.
• Plenty of onsite parking available.
• Be part of a fun and supportive team environment.
• Make delicious, nutritious kai for our tamariki.
• We are licenced for 77 children. 
• Subsidised Childcare for your tamariki.
• Half day birthday leave.

Are you passionate about food and understand the importance nutrition plays in the lives of our tamariki? Come immerse yourself in a beautiful, diverse community and become a part of Active Explorers Mana.

Nestled in the heart of Mana, Porirua, Active Explorers Mana is part of a region rich in Māori identity, community connection, and stories of the land. We are looking for a passionate cook to join the team! Our new cook will be at the heart of our centre and our whanau, with the kitchen at your disposal. Our tamariki are looking for someone who will make delicious food that they will enjoy. Someone who will talk to them about what they are doing in the kitchen. Someone who knows that they rely on them, to give them the fuel to get them through their busy day. You will also be called upon to support the teaching team with our tamariki where needed.

Key Responsibilities:

• This is a permanent full-time role – 37.5 hours/week.
• Independently manage all kitchen operations.
• Prepare morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea for up to 77 children.
• Oversee stock management, budgeting, and supply ordering.
• Engage positively with children and teachers during mealtimes.
• Accommodate and manage dietary requirements.
• Kitchen cleaning after food serving and weekly laundering for kitchen linens.
• Collaborate with the Centre Manager on menu planning.
• Plan and facilitate occasional baking or cooking activities with children (tamariki) for special events and centre celebrations.
• Support laundry duties.

Who are you?

• You ideally have menu preparation and bulk food processing experience – ideally at large organizations or ECE centres.
• Great time management skills and ability to independently handle kitchen responsibilities.
• A current Food Safety and Hygiene Certificate can be a bonus – we will provide full training in food safety and hygiene.
• You can follow food compliance regulations and complete the associated paperwork and training.
• You are a passionate and intuitive cook, open and responsive to the constantly changing needs of our tamariki.
• You are comfortable working autonomously and as part of a team (your day will encompass both).
• You have strong written and spoken English language skills.

If this sounds like you, apply today and we’d love to meet you!