Chef de Partie / Kaitunu Tuarua – Dark Sky Project

Chef de Partie / Kaitunu Tuarua – Dark Sky Project Location: Lake Takapō
Employment Type: Permanent, Full-time (minimum 32 hours per week)
Hourly Rate: $30.00 – $33.00 About Us At Ngāi Tahu Tourism, we connect our manuhiri (visitors) with our people, our place, and our culture. The Dark Sky Project at Lake Takapō offers a world-class astronomy experience, combining the science of stars and Tātai aroraki (Māori astronomy). Our Dark Sky Diner provides exceptional kai (food) to complement this unique adventure. The Role We are seeking an experienced Chef de Partie / Kaitunu Tuarua to join our passionate Food & Beverage team. You will assist the Head Chef in creating extraordinary dishes, maintaining the highest standards of hospitality and kai for our manuhiri. This is an exciting opportunity to work in a fast-paced environment and make your mark on a world-class tourism development. This role involves preparing and cooking meals, supervising junior staff, maintaining food safety standards, and contributing to kitchen operations and menu execution. Key Tasks and Responsibilities

• Support the Head Chef with daily kitchen operations, including food preparation, cooking, and presentation
• Ensure food quality, safety, and hygiene standards are met
• Manage stock levels, order supplies, and ensure efficient kitchen operations
• Assist in training and mentoring junior staff
• Work alongside the team to deliver consistent, high-quality meals
• Embrace Ngāi Tahu values and integrate Māori culture into the dining experience

Skills and Experience Required

• Minimum of three years’ experience in a professional kitchen environment, including food preparation, cooking, and kitchen operations; or a New Zealand Diploma in Cookery (Level 5) or an equivalent qualification in professional cookery or culinary arts
• Strong skills in baking, food preparation, and kitchen time management
• Ability to stay calm and efficient under pressure
• Willingness to learn and correctly pronounce te reo Māori names and terms
• Ability to work shifts, including weekdays, weekends, and public holidays

Minimum Guaranteed Hours This is a permanent, full-time role with a minimum of 32 hours guaranteed per week, in accordance with AEWV requirements. Additional hours may be available based on operational demand.
Benefits

• Competitive hourly rate ($30.00 – $33.00 per hour)
• Permanent full-time position with guaranteed hours
• Opportunities for growth within one of New Zealand’s largest tourism operators
• Work in a unique, world-class location with a passionate and supportive team
• Full training provided, and uniforms supplied

Eligibility You must be legally entitled to work in New Zealand to apply for this role.
Visa support may be available for suitably qualified candidates. Interested? Apply now to join our team and bring your culinary passion to life in a breathtaking setting! We will assess applications as they arrive.
Visit: www.ngaitahutourism.co.nz Before starting, successful candidates will go through drug and alcohol testing, as part of our health and safety standards to keep our team and customers safe. Job Details
Reference # 35277
Business areas Dark Sky Project, Ngāi Tahu Tourism
Posted on Friday 09 Jan 2026
Closes on 08 Feb 2026 23:55
Expertise Hospitality & Tourism
Work type(s) Full-time, Permanent