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JOB DETAILS

Cook - Casual

CompanySummerset
LocationWharewaka
Work ModeOn Site
PostedSeptember 14, 2026
About The Company
Summerset is one of New Zealand's leading retirement village operators, and more than 9,500 New Zealanders call Summerset home. Our vibrant villages focus on bringing the best of life to our residents, and we offer a continuum of care to provide peace of mind should the care needs of our residents’ change. Our recent expansion into Australia includes the Cranbourne North retirement village, Chirnside Park in development and five more in the works in Victoria. Across Australasia Summerset provides a range of living options and care services to more than 9,500 residents and employs more than 2,800 staff. Summerset has corporate offices located in Wellington, Auckland, Christchurch and Melbourne. We offer a range of careers, from development and design through to care, village and property management, and corporate functions such as finance and marketing.
About the Role

Company Description

You can help bring our villages to life!  

At Summerset, from the moment we start developing a village, to when our residents call it home, it’s the passion and dedication of our people that brings our villages to life. We are one team united by being part of something bigger – to bring the best of life to our residents.  

Job Description

We’re looking for a dedicated Cook to join our team at Taupo village. This is more than just a kitchen job — it’s a chance to be part of something meaningful, where every meal you prepare brings joy, comfort, and nourishment to the lives of our residents.

As a Cook, you will play an essential role in creating fresh, wholesome meals in a supportive and team-focused environment. Your work will help ensure our residents enjoy nutritious food that supports their health and wellbeing.

Your day-to-day responsibilities will include:

  • Preparing and cooking production meals for our care centre as well as short order meals for the café, based on established menus and dietary needs
  • Maintaining an “audit-ready” kitchen by adhering to Summerset’s Food Control Plan
  • Working collaboratively with kitchen staff, care teams and management to deliver an exceptional dining experience

This is a casual position with shifts offered on an as-needed basis.

Qualifications

This role is ideal for someone who takes pride in their work, loves bringing people together over food, and enjoys going the extra mile for their customers. You will bring a warm and positive approach to everything you do, along with:

  • Previous experience as a Cook, ideally in a healthcare or residential care setting
  • Strong knowledge of food safety standards Certification in safe food handling (preferred)
  • Confidence to work in a fast-paced environment while maintaining high standards

At Summerset, we believe diversity strengthens our team and enriches the care we provide. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, experiences, and walks of life.

Additional Information

We are proud to show our appreciation for the passion and commitment our people show every day, by offering a selection of employee benefits:.  

Our benefits include:

  • Weekend additional penal hourly rates apply 
  • The ability to grow your career across a variety of roles in Summerset
  • Opportunities to gain recognised culinary qualifications

Next Steps: Applications for this role will close on the 12th of October. This role may close early due to an increased number of applications - apply as soon as possible to avoid disappointment! 

#LI-DNI

  • Employee Type: Casual
  • Work Location: Taupo
  • Key Skills
    Food preparationCookingFood safety standardsMenu planningDietary needs managementKitchen maintenanceTeam collaborationSafe food handling
    Categories
    Food & BeverageHealthcareHospitality
    Benefits
    Weekend additional penal hourly ratesCareer growth opportunitiesRecognised culinary qualifications
    Job Information
    📋Core Responsibilities
    Prepare and cook nutritious meals for the care centre and café while adhering to established menus and dietary requirements. Maintain an audit-ready kitchen environment by strictly following the company's Food Control Plan.
    📋Job Type
    casual
    📊Experience Level
    2-5
    💼Company Size
    1098
    📊Visa Sponsorship
    No
    💼Language
    English
    🏢Working Hours
    40 hours
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