Are you passionate about exceptional hospitality and inspired by the unique beauty of Kaikōura? Join the team at Hiku in Kaikōura a restaurant with a classic approach to service, shaped by the region’s coastal beauty and cultural depth. Named after the Māori word for whale tail, Hiku reflects the stories and identity of this beautiful place.

We serve buffet-style breakfasts, along with A-la-carte lunch and dinner that highlight the region in an elevated yet approachable way. Our dishes carry hints of rustic Kaikōura charm while staying true to the warmth and generosity our guests love.

At Hiku, we pride ourselves on delivering warm, genuine service and memorable dining experiences for every guest. If you’re enthusiastic, team-focused, and excited to be part of a restaurant that celebrates community, culture, and the natural world, we’d love to welcome you to our whānau.

About The Role - Te mahi

We have an exciting opportunity for a Chef de Partie at Hiku, our new restaurant at Sudima Kaikōura. We are looking for experienced Chef's with creative skills and a desire to innovate and ensure consistent quality food. We value working together as one and all contributing to team results. The Hiku kitchen team will offer our guests room service, an a la carte restaurant for breakfast, lunch and dinner, and conference and events catering.

This fixed term role (minimum 30 hours per week) is based at Sudima Kaikōura and the rate will be $28 per hour. This role is based in beautiful Kaikōura, a 2.5 hour drive from Christchurch, make this fantastic region your home!

Responsibilities | Ngā haepapa

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Prepare and cook high-quality dishes that meet brand standards across the restaurant, bar, conference services, and room service.
• Complete preparation tasks, communicating with Managers, dieticians, kitchen, waiting staff and other parties to offer flexibility with dietary needs
• Support the kitchen team to maintain a workspace that upholds strict food hygiene and safety standards
• Plan menus, accurately estimate food and labour costs, and manage supply orders to ensure seamless operations.
• Demonstrate cooking techniques and provide guidance to junior kitchen team members to foster skill development.
• Promote a positive team atmosphere grounded in cooperation and mutual respect
• Monitor the quality of dishes throughout preparation and presentation stages, ensuring consistency and excellence.
• Manage food preservation and freezing processes to maintain product quality.
• Explain and enforce hygiene regulations

Requirements

About you | Ko koe tēnei

We seek team members with a great attitude, in addition to that the following skills will see you succeed in this role. At least three years of relevant experience may substitute for the formal qualifications listed below.

• NZQF Diploma (ANZSCO Skill Level 2) or
• 3 years experience in a busy kitchen environment may substitute for the formal qualification
• Ability to work individually and in a team.
• Planning and organizing skills
• Ability to multi-task, show flexibility and meet deadlines under pressure
• Flexible to work rostered shifts, including mornings and evening shifts and public holidays
• Hands-on experience with various kitchen equipment (e.g. grillers and pasta makers)
• Familiarity with sanitation regulations

Benefits

He kura te tangata - We are all valued

As an employer of choice, we offer great employee benefits like life insurance, outstanding health and wellbeing programmes and discounts on hotels, restaurants, bars and spas across our network - not just for you, but in some cases your friends and family too!

• Discounts at our hotels, restaurants and spas across our network
• Staff, family and friends rates at our hotels
• Free onsite parking
• Excellent reward & recognition events
• Service and anniversary gifts and benefits
• Wellbeing programme including Health insurance discounts
• Paid training and individual Employee Development Plans
• Training towards NZQA qualifications and our very own online digital learning platform
• Free Life Insurance, Digital Will & Best Doctors teleservice after 3 months of employment

Who We Are - Ko Wai Mātou

Here at Sudima Hotels, we have one passion, you! We care, we do the right thing and we work together. As a Sudima team member, you will demonstrate these values with your day-to-day actions, however great or small.

We believe 'We Are all Valued - He Kura te Tangata', and our success is a direct reflection of our people and our company culture. We live and breathe Manaakitanga, hospitality is at the heart of all that we do. As HRD's Five Star Employer of Choice Award in 2019, 2022, and in 2024, our people love coming to work every day and we think you will too!

Hind Management, the management company behind Sudima Hotels, builds, operates, and manages our award-winning hotels, restaurants, bars, and spa businesses. As industry leaders in social and environmental responsibility, they operate on a sustainable business model that takes the well-being of our people and planet seriously.

Above all, we’re looking for positive people. Working with us not only means getting unlimited opportunities to develop yourself and your career but being part of a community and company culture that’s passionate about putting people first.

Nau mai, haere mai, tauti mai!

Hind Management is committed to accessibility.  Should you require assistance or support and are unable to apply online due to an access need, contact our office (+64) 99051727 or email our Talent Acquisition Team at [email protected]. We will aim to respond within 48 hours Monday to Friday 9am - 5pm. 

At Hind Management, we celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We welcome applications from individuals of diverse backgrounds, including disabled and neurodivergent candidates. Our hiring process is fully accessible and designed to ensure equity for everyone. Please let us know how we can support you in presenting your best self.

E manawanui ana tātou - We care 

Ka mahi tahi tātou - We work together 

Ka whai tātou i te tika - We do the right thing 

He kura te tangata - We are all valued