Aroha Eatery is seeking a Café Assistant / Barista to join our Hospitality and Catering team and become the welcoming face of our Tōtara Hospice on-site café.

Te Mahi | The role...

This isn’t your average café gig. You’ll be part of a warm, purpose-driven team that serves up kindness alongside every flat white. You will need to be personable, service-driven, and focused on creating a welcoming and engaging experience for every customer. You will be confident working in a sole‑charge environment, supported by volunteers as required.

Key Responsibilities:

• Prepare consistently high-quality coffee and specialty beverages
• Prepare and serve cabinet food
• Provide attentive, welcoming customer service that ensures every guest feels welcome
• Foster a friendly and positive café environment aligned with our brand values
• Accurately process in-store and online orders in a timely manner
• Handle customer enquiries, both in person and via email, with professionalism and care
• Lead the smooth running of daily café operations
• Uphold high standards of cleanliness, hygiene, and food safety at all times
• Assist with food preparation, stock management, and general café maintenance
• Ensure all café equipment is cleaned, maintained, and functioning correctly
• Partner with the Hospitality & Catering Manager to enhance service delivery, workflows, and overall performance
• Support and guide volunteers by providing day-to-day direction and on-the-job training

Ngā pūkenga e hiahiatia | What we would like to see from you…

• Experience as a barista in a busy cafe or hospitality environment
• Experience in customer service
• Strong communication skills and a customer-first mindset
• Confidence in managing busy service periods while staying calm and organised
• Solid knowledge of coffee brewing methods and equipment
• A proactive, responsible attitude and strong time-management skills
• Basic food handling and preparation skills
• A naturally warm, friendly personality with a genuine love for people

Ngā awhina mōku | Some of the benefits available for you...

• Access to our Tōtara Hospice Employee Insurance Programme
• An orientation package designed uniquely for you
• Access to fully funded training and education opportunities to develop your hospitality skills, including certificate and diploma-level qualifications
• Paid lunch breaks
• Free car parking onsite
• Enjoy consistent weekday hours with no weekend or public holiday work. Aroha Eatery also closes over the Christmas and New Year period, with annual leave taken at that time

Kamapene | About the organisation...

Since 1981, Tōtara Hospice has supported people across South and Southeast Auckland through specialist palliative care — at no cost to our community. Each year, we care for more than 1,100 patients and their whānau through inpatient services, community care, and a 24-hour advice line.

We serve one of Aotearoa’s most diverse communities and are committed to inclusion, equity, and honouring Te Tiriti o Waitangi. Our care is grounded in dignity, comfort, and respect for every individual.

We are proud to be recognized for winning the 2024 2degrees Auckland Business Awards for "Employer of the Year," and finalists for "Sustainability Excellence," and "People’s Choice." This recognition highlights our efforts to create meaningful, innovative, and compassionate work that makes a difference.

Ngā pārongo whakauru | How to apply - Here’s how!

If you are searching for a rewarding career in healthcare where you can make a difference by just doing your best, please APPLY now. Remember to include an updated copy of your CV and a cover letter explaining why you want to work for Tōtara Hospice and why you are the most suitable candidate for the job. Applications close Friday, 6 February 2026. Please note that suitable applicants may be contacted and interviewed prior to the closing date.

Only applicants already residing and eligible to work permanently in New Zealand will be considered for this position.

Tōtara Hospice as an organisation does not conscientiously object to anyone accessing their rights under the End-of-Life Choices Act that passed into law on November 7th 2021. Our focus will remain, as it always has been, on delivering to the needs of our patients and whānau. We respect and support patients who choose this option!