About us
Rourou Kai Ora is a charity based out of Newlands college providing wholefood, plant-based meals for people living with health conditions and nutritional needs. We offer delicious, healthy, tailored meals made by teen chefs for those facing illnesses such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and other nutritionally sensitive medical conditions.
At the heart of Rourou Kai Ora is a group of local rangatahi who volunteer alongside experienced adults to prepare meals for members of their community. We mentor teens to learn about cooking and eating healthy foods and about their power to make a difference.
We have just turned one and have grown into a thriving community organisation, delivering more than 2,500 meals to local people. We are looking to expand our team of dedicated volunteers to support the continued growth and impact of our charity.
About the role
Time commitment: One afternoon, 2 hours per week. Shifts are 1.00pm–3.00pm on a Monday. Our programme continues through the school holidays.
Rourou Kai Ora is looking for volunteers with confident knife skills or a keenness to learn, to help prepare the beautiful organic produce. This supports the rangatahi programme to be able to focus on the cooking.
Follow simple prep instructions; washing, weighing and preparing organic produce
Carry out simple kitchen tasks such as roasting vegetables or making vegetable stock
Assist with basic cleaning tasks
Enjoys being in the kitchen
Is comfortable working with sharp knives
Is happy to pitch in with practical tasks
Values care, connection, dignity, and community wellbeing
Can work collaboratively as part of a team
Is reliable and able to commit regularly
It would be a bonus if you have
Kitchen/cooking experience
An interest in healthy food, community wellbeing, or food as healthcare
Willingness to complete a police vet/check
Comfortable standing for a couple of hours and carrying out light to moderate physical tasks such as chopping, dishes, lifting containers, and general kitchen work
Commitment to maintaining a safe and respectful environment for all
Alignment with the values and kaupapa of Rourou Kai Ora
Be part of a practical, community-led response that uses food as healthcare
Join a warm and committed team who enjoy a relaxed and connected environment
Learn more about food as medicine, healthy eating and cooking
Help make a real difference for people in our community
If this sounds like a good fit for you, we’d love to hear from you!
Please email luke@rko.nz with a few lines about yourself, any relevant experience, and why you’re interested in the role. You’re also welcome to include a CV if you have one.
To learn more about our kaupapa, visit https://rouroukaiora.org.nz
Through medically tailored meals made with locally grown organic produce, hands-on youth mentoring, and a commitment to shared care and connection, we are building a future where nutrition is not just an afterthought, but a fundamental part of well-being in Te Whanganui-a-Tara.