Grow with us

Small Sprouts Early Learning, a family-owned centre proudly rooted in Stanmore Bay, we’re. Step into a purpose-built environment framed by mature pōhutukawa, where tamariki explore sand, water and nature every day. If you value Te Whāriki-led practice, embrace the RIE and Reggio Emilia philosophies and want to teach in the heart of the Hibiscus Coast, we’d love to kōrero.

We’re always welcoming expressions of interest for Qualified and Unqualified Kaiako, although we don’t have any vacancies right now, we are growing our regular Kaiako Relievers, if you’d like to connect please complete apply below, and we will be touch.

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Centre Cook & Kaiako support

We’re hiring: Centre Cook & Kaiako Support

Small Sprouts Early Learning Centre, Stanmore Bay, Whangāparāoa

Full-time, permanent · $23.95 to $24.55 per hour

Closing date: Friday 6th November 2026

Are you passionate about cooking, especially for little ones, and love being around tamariki? We’d love to hear from you.

Small Sprouts is a boutique, family-owned early learning centre in Stanmore Bay. We’re grounded in Te Whāriki, with Reggio Emilia and RIE influences, and we’re growing. We’re looking for a Centre Cook & Kaiako Support to join our beautifully supportive team in a full-time, permanent role.

About the role

You’ll be at the heart of our day, cooking for around 40 tamariki (growing to 65) and supporting them at kai times. You’ll:

  • Prepare morning tea, lunch, afternoon tea and a late afternoon snack, following our menus and recipes

  • Supervise and support tamariki at kai times, alongside our kaiako

  • Cover kaiako breaks

  • Clean and reset our kitchen, dining space and kai areas

  • Look after the centre’s laundry, including changing tamariki bedding weekly

  • Order food within budget and help refresh our menus

General centre cleaning isn’t part of this role.

About you

  • A passion for and interest in cooking, especially for children

  • Happy working with and supervising tamariki in an early learning centre

  • Efficient with housekeeping, including laundry, the kitchen and kai areas

  • Reliable, warm and a great team player

Experience cooking for groups is a bonus, but not essential. Training will be provided.

What we offer

  • Full training and guidance in food preparation, our recipes and menus

  • A paid first aid certificate

  • A discount on childcare fees for your own tamariki

  • 40 hours a week, Monday to Friday, between 7:45am and 5:00pm. We’re happy to talk about start and finish times that work for you.

Position description

Read the full position description here.

How to apply

  • Email your CV and a short cover letter telling us why you’d love this role to Elysia at elysia@smallsprouts.co.nz. If you have any questions, we’re happy to have a kōrero.

  • Applications close Friday 6th November 2026.

  • The successful applicant will need to pass a safety check, including a police vet, and have the right to work in New Zealand.

Apply Now

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