Kaitaia cookery students celebrate upgraded facilities
NorthTec ākonga studying cookery in Kaitaia served up a sumptuous three-course meal to celebrate a partnership which has led to upgraded facilities for hospitality training in the town.
The partnership, between NorthTec, the Restaurant Association and Ringa Hora (Workforce Development Council – Services) enabled the former Sea Dragon restaurant in Commerce Street to be refurbished to a standard suitable for delivery of the Level 4 Cookery programme.
The meal consisting of mussel chowder, roasted pork belly and red wine poached pear, was prepared NorthTec’s first cohort of Level 4 cookery ākonga and served by Level 3 cookery ākonga, all working under the supervision of tutors Amy Thompson and Brooke Irving.
Guests included NorthTec kaimahi, representatives from Ringa Hora, the Restaurant Association and Ngāti Kahu Social and Health Services, and prominent members of the Far North hospitality industry.
Stuart McGechan, from the Restaurant Association, spoke about the importance of the Te Tupu Tahi programme developed with NorthTec, which provides tailored hospitality tuition to in-work trainees. He said the partnership combines the Restaurant Association’s industry connections with NorthTec’s training expertise to create opportunities that truly make a difference for both local people and businesses.
Ākonga paid tribute to their Kaitaia-based tutor, Amy Thompson, and outlined their study journey in hospitality, with the upgraded facilities providing more opportunities for practical career training in the Far North.
Employers described how the training has increased skill levels, confidence and career focus in their workers, while also adding value to their businesses by having skilled, locally based employees on their staff teams.
