Job Description

Te Papa stands proud as an iconic national building housing the treasures of the nation and is a vibrant destination for both national and international visitors. We've now also partnered with Wellington City Council to operate Tākina, Wellington's newest Convention and Exhibition Centre. Our Venues team is world-class, delivering the event operations and hospitality across both Te Papa and Tākina.

Are you interested in a career in the culinary industry? Our catering kitchen is seeking a new Commis Chef to join our team. We pride ourselves on serving High end fusion cuisine with a world-class hospitality experience. As a Commis Chef, you'll have the opportunity to work alongside our Senior Chefs to master our diverse menu offerings. Your responsibilities will include coordinating and preparing menu items in alignment with our culinary best practices, upholding impeccable hygiene, food quality, and discipline in our kitchens, and ensuring the highest standards of excellence and consistency across all dishes. If you're passionate about cooking and dedicated to delivering exceptional service, we encourage you to apply for this exciting opportunity.

 Ideally you will have:

• The ability to work under pressure in a busy environment
• Basic food preparation and storage knowledge including HACCP principles
• Experience working in a commercial kitchen or catering operation
• Attention to detail and a good understanding of hygiene and cleaning practices

When applying please include your availability to work across all days/nights on a weekly basis and any periods you will not be available.  

Along with Te Papa's cafes and on-site function venues, we operate Tākina venues. We are therefore seeking crew members who can be flexible in their work location.  The work across our operation is busy, fast paced and in a fantastic, friendly team environment, so come join us!

The hourly rate for this position will be a minimum of $28.90 per hour. Casual position.

If you have any questions about this role, please contact recruitment@tepapa.govt.nz.

Applicants must have the ability to obtain and maintain the legal right to work in New Zealand.

Prior to Te Papa confirming any offer of employment, pre-employment checks will be undertaken including criminal conviction history and reference checking as a minimum.

Applications close Wednesday 15 July 2026.