Overview
*Subject to NZQA approval.
Gain the skills to work as an intermediate level chef, producing complex dishes in a commercial kitchen.
This is the next step after the New Zealand Certificate in Cookery (Level 3). You’ll learn to prepare, cook and present a range of cold larder dishes, hot kitchen dishes, patisserie and desserts.
The purpose of this qualification is:
- To provide for those individuals who are employed as chefs in intermediate positions, a credential that will enhance their employment opportunities in a commercial kitchen across the hospitality sector.
- To establish standards of professional practice for complex cookery that can provide customers with confidence in a range of hospitality environments.
You will learn to:
- Monitor and maintain health and safety, food safety and security practices to ensure own safety and minimise potential hazards for customers.
- Monitor and maintain interactions between colleagues, managers and customers.
- Monitor and maintain the application of standard operating policies and procedures to work roles in a commercial kitchen.
- Apply cookery skills to prepare, cook and present a range of cold larder dishes employing complex preparation and presentation techniques.
- Apply cookery skills to prepare, cook and present a range of hot kitchen dishes employing complex preparation and presentation techniques.
- Apply cookery skills to prepare, cook and present a range of patisserie and desserts employing complex preparation and presentation techniques.
Career opportunities and pathways include any role within the hospitality industry that requires chefs in intermediate positions producing complex dishes in a professional kitchen.
Workload & schedule
This programme involves 24 hours of teaching spread over four days, in addition to 12 hours of self-directed study per week. You will also participate in various culinary events, so will be required to attend two evening events (dates will be advised at or shortly after programme commencement).
Part-time employment in the hospitality industry is expected on this programme.
Te Tupu Tahi - Workplace-based training available
Already working as a chef or in a junior position in a commercial kitchen? Keen to learn while you learn? We work alongside Restaurant Association to offer your own unique learning plan based on experience you are already developing on the job. You must be employed a minimum of 15 hours per week and be available to attend some classes and assessments at NorthTec.
Te Tupu Tahi has been developed by the Restaurant Association and NorthTec after recognising a need to grow and develop the hospitality industry in Te Tai Tokerau. Te Tupu Tahi represents ‘to grow together or simultaneously’ growing the akōnga/employee as well as the business by upskilling the employee to gain a sense of accomplishment, increase industry knowledge, gain a NZQA qualification and therefore be a more valuable asset to the business itself.
During the programme the trainees/māhuri will:
- Attend on-campus sessions.
- Be supported in their workplace by the Restaurant Association Te Tupu Tahi coordinator and by NorthTec kaiako.
- Engage in online self-directed learning for most of the theory work in the programme.
In collaboration with both the employer and employee, a full schedule will be given to the student in consultation with the employer at the beginning of the programme advising when the māhuri will attend classes.
The training programme comprises workplace-based training along with online learning and gives junior chefs working in professional kitchens, or those interested in becoming chefs an opportunity to receive a NZ Certificate in Cookery Level 3 and Level 4 while in work.
The programme name ‘Te Tupu Tahi’, represents ‘to grow together or simultaneously’ which is what this traineeship aims to do: grow the akōnga/employee as well as the business and therefore the hospitality industry as a whole.
The trainees will be referred to as māhuri, based upon a Māori proverb. Meaning sapling, they represent a young tree that we will nurture, shape, develop, and teach to grow for the industry.
Please contact Stuart McGechan for for info, or apply below.
Stuart McGechan, Te Tupu Tahi Traineeship Coordinator
The Te Tupu Tahi coordinator works to ensure the smooth training, mentoring and supporting of Māhuri and employers – maintaining strong communicative relationships with both, with a strong local connection to the Te Tai Tokerau community and industry. Stuart brings a wealth of experience and passion for leadership and development within the Hospitality Industry.
Entry Requirements
All applicants must:
- be at least 16 years old at the time the programme commences.
- be able to understand follow, and respond to instructions given in English.
- be physically able to complete the programme specific outcomes
All applicants must:
- be at least 16 years old at the time the programme commences.
- be able to read, write, and communicate in English at a basic level.
- be physically able to complete the programme-specific outcomes.
All applicants must:
- be at least 16 years old at the time the programme commences.
- be able to read, write, and communicate in English at a basic level.
- be physically able to complete the programme-specific outcomes.
Applicants for whom English is not a first language must have an IELTS score of 5 with no band score lower than 5; or an accepted international equivalence.
All applicants must:
- be at least 16 years old at the time the programme commences.
- be able to read, write, and communicate in English at a basic level.
- be physically able to complete the programme-specific outcomes.
Applicants for whom English is not a first language must have an IELTS score of 5.5 with no band score lower than 5; or an accepted international equivalence.
All applicants must:
- be at least 16 years old at the time the programme commences
- be able to read, write, and communicate in English at a basic level
- be physically able to complete the programme specific outcomes
- have successfully completed the New Zealand Certificate in Cookery (Level 3) or can demonstrate equivalent knowledge, skill and experience.
Applicants for whom English is not a first language must have an IELTS score of 5.5 with no band score lower than 5; or an accepted international equivalence.
Employment in the hospitality industry is an advantage.
Intakes & Applications
Dates & Bookings
Additional costs
Black leather closed toe shoes, suitable for commercial restaurant environment. Chefs Jacket and workbooks provided.
Learn online with Open Polytechnic, with regional support by NorthTec:
- Access to a NorthTec facilities – computer/meeting room access, library and student support.
- Local workshops – optional workshops where you can be supported in your online learning with others studying the same programme as you. Located in Whangārei, Ngāwhā, Kerikeri, Kaitaia, & other campuses as demand requires.
Youth Guarantee Fund*
If you are aged 16 to 24, you could study for FREE as part of the government's Youth Guarantee fund. To qualify for the Youth Guarantee fund, you must meet the following criteria:
- Complete an application for a course that is covered by the Youth Guarantee fund.
- Be a NZ citizen or permanent resident.
- Be 16 to 24 years old at the time the course starts. Learners who are 15 years old and hold Ministry approved early leaving exemption from their school may also be eligible. This exemption must be in place before the course starts.
Priority places will be given to students who:
- have not yet achieved NCEA Level 1 or NCEA Level 2; or
- have completed a Level 1 or Level 2 qualification through a Youth Guarantee provision programme.
All free study is subject to funding confirmation. Proof of residency status is required. Programme entry criteria may apply. Eligibility for student allowances or student loans may vary. Contact Studylink for more information.
* All fees and study costs found on this website are indicative course fees only and exclude the Compulsory Student Services Fee (CSSF) levy and any course-related costs. The 2025 CSSF levy is $300 per full-time equivalent student (120 credits) for programmes level 3 and above.
Unless otherwise stated, prices are in New Zealand Dollars including GST. Prices that are not explicitly indicated as International are the domestic price and may differ for International students. For programmes longer than one academic year in duration, the fees quoted are for the first year. Final study costs depends on a number of factors including the courses you select to study. All fees and study costs are subject to confirmation, including zero fees courses.
Courses and programmes may be cancelled, postponed or have their content or configuration changed from time to time (including during the academic year) at the discretion of NorthTec. See our full Terms and conditions.
Additional Information
Employment Pathways
About Te Pūkenga
Following the Government’s announcement of its intention to disestablish Te Pūkenga | New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology, please be assured that your programme of study or training will continue as planned while we work through the details of how this change will be implemented.
We are committed to ensuring that organisational changes that need to be made to meet the Government’s expectations do not impact the delivery of our programmes and training for our learners and employers.
If you need access to learner support services or have any concerns, please contact us.
