Te Tupu Tahi

NZ Certificate in Cookery Level 3 and Level 4
19 weeks–18 months

The Restaurant Association and NorthTec have launched the Te Tupu Tahi chef training programme after recognising a need to grow and develop the hospitality industry in Te Tai Tokerau Northland.

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.

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.

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.

About the programme

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.

Paul Hope, 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. Paul 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.

Intakes & Applications

Dates & Bookings

NZ Certificate in Cookery Level 3 and Level 4
This programme is not open to international students.

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.

Certificate in Cookery (Level 3) - Te Tupu Tahi
Whangārei
Certificate in Cookery (Level 3) - Te Tupu Tahi
Certificate in Cookery (Level 3) - Te Tupu Tahi
Apprentice Restaurant, 51 Raumanga Valley Road, Whangārei
Dates:
,
July 17, 2023
November 24, 2023
Dates:
Available to start at regular intervals throughout the year.
February & July
Delivery:
Full Time
Price:
Fees:
Enquire
(2024)
Enquire
(2023)
| Fees Free with Youth Guarantee*
International
International Fees:
(2024)
International
International Fees:
(2023)
Class full
Proudly delivered in partnership with
.
Certificate in Cookery (Level 3)
Kaitaia
Certificate in Cookery (Level 3)
Certificate in Cookery (Level 3)
Apprentice Restaurant, 51 Raumanga Valley Road, Whangārei
Dates:
,
February 19, 2024
June 27, 2024
Dates:
Available to start at regular intervals throughout the year.
Delivery:
Full Time
Price:
Fees:
Enquire
(2024)
Enquire
(2023)
| Fees Free with Youth Guarantee*
International
International Fees:
(2024)
International
International Fees:
(2023)
Class full
Proudly delivered in partnership with
.
Certificate in Cookery (Level 4) - Te Tupu Tahi
Whangārei
Certificate in Cookery (Level 4) - Te Tupu Tahi
Certificate in Cookery (Level 4) - Te Tupu Tahi
Apprentice Restaurant, 51 Raumanga Valley Road, Whangārei
Dates:
,
July 17, 2023
November 24, 2023
Dates:
Available to start at regular intervals throughout the year.
February & July
Delivery:
Full Time
Price:
Fees:
Enquire
(2024)
Enquire
(2023)
| Fees Free with Youth Guarantee*
International
International Fees:
(2024)
International
International Fees:
(2023)
Class full
Proudly delivered in partnership with
.
Restaurant Association
Our mission is to be the link between good food and good business so that your restaurant or cafe can find greatness. Since 1972, we’ve been here to help restaurants do better business.

Our industry is facing a huge skill shortage. Our training and education programmes help you and your staff to upskill in the areas you need most

All fees are in New Zealand Dollars and are approximate only - includes GST but excludes the Compulsory Student Services Fee (CSSF) levy. Unless otherwise stated, the fees shown are for domestic students only. 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.

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

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.

Key Information for students - Qualification Information from the NZ Government.
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