Job vacancies
Come and join our team and help provide a welcoming home for older people, where they can live independently. Housekeeper vacancies at our Abbeyfield houses are listed here.
How our houses operate
Abbeyfield is a not-for-profit organisation which provides affordable, family-style housing for the over-65s.
We have 16 Abbeyfield houses throughout New Zealand, each catering for 11-14 residents. Each resident has a studio with ensuite, which he or she cleans and looks after. Residents share the communal areas such as the kitchen, dining room, lounge and laundry.
Residents enjoy the support and companionship that develops from living with others. They are encouraged to take part in discussions and decisions on aspects of the day-to-day running of the house.
Roles at our houses
Each Abbeyfield house has a housekeeper, who takes care of the household shopping and provides two cooked meals a day (lunch and dinner). The housekeeper also keeps the communal areas of the house clean and tidy, and ensures the household runs smoothly. A relief housekeeper or housekeepers provide weekend meals and support.
Some housekeepers choose to live on site, in self-contained accommodation provided by their local Abbeyfield Society. The local Society also provides meals while the housekeeper is on duty – it is desirable for the housekeeper to have their meals with the residents while on duty.
Current vacancies
Housekeeper, Abbeyfield Palmerston North
Housekeeper / Cook
Are you passionate about making a difference in the lives of older people? Do you enjoy preparing nutritious, home‑cooked meals and helping create a warm, welcoming home?
We are seeking a Housekeeper/Cook who is a capable, confident cook with a good understanding of nutrition and a genuine heart for older people. You will work closely with our volunteer management committee to support the smooth and harmonious running of the house.
Abbeyfield Palmerston North provides affordable supported accommodation for twelve independent older people in a family‑style household. We are a registered New Zealand charity and do not provide health care services.
Key responsibilities
- Preparing nutritious, appetizing meals for residents (two prepared meals daily, plus supplies for self‑service breakfast)
- Planning menus, ordering supplies, and completing household shopping within a set budget
- Implementing and maintaining the house Food Control Plan
- Ensuring common areas are clean, tidy, and welcoming
- Supporting the day‑to‑day running of the house and helping resolve issues as they arise, with committee support
About you
- Experience cooking for older people and understanding their dietary needs
- A Food Safety Certificate is an advantage
- Organised, reliable, and able to work independently
- Warm, respectful, and committed to creating a positive living environment
Hours and conditions
- The role is five days per week between 5-6 hrs per day and/or may be suitable as a job‑share position
- Applicants must have NZ residency or a valid NZ work visa
- The successful applicant will be required to undergo a police check
If you are looking for rewarding work where you can truly make a difference, we would love to hear from you.
Please send your CV and a cover letter introducing yourself and outlining what you would bring to this role by 16 February to abbeyfield.palme[email protected]