Institute of Technology or Polytechnic

Whitireia and WelTec
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New Zealand Certificate in Cookery (Level 4)

This course is available

On-Campus

Level of Study

Certificate

Duration

1 year

Next start date

Expected Feb 2027

Campus

Petone Campus

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Summary

Take your love of food and all things culinary further with our Certificate in Cookery, this programme will give you the skills you need to take the first step in starting your professional career as a chef no matter what your experience level is.

As well as learning complex dishes and culinary techniques, you’ll gain an understanding of larder and catering operations, and dietary principles.

This programme is delivered full-time on campus and could accommodate part-time working hours if you are already working in a commercial kitchen.

What you will learn

This one-year full-time programme is “hands-on” and is suitable for those who may have little or no experience in the culinary field.  The focus is on the essential skills of food preparation, cookery methods and techniques that will provide you with the keys to open your culinary world.

The learning accelerates to include the more complex aspects of professional cookery along with the compulsory compliance requirements.

You will learn through practical tutorials and workshops and be assessed in a purpose-built environment alongside students of all ages and of different cultures and backgrounds.

  • Cooking methods and their applications
  • Cold larder techniques
  • Food safety, Health and safety
  • Standard operating policies and procedures for commercial kitchens
  • Farinaceous and vegetable dishes
  • Preparation, cooking and presentation of meat, fish and poultry dishes
  • Patisserie techniques to produce and present desserts
  • Techniques to produce dough and pastry products
Career options

The programme will prepare students for entry-level positions in a commercial kitchen environment. The progression to senior roles will be dependent on time and relevant experience in the industry in a variety of workplaces for example Hotels, Restaurants, Catering companies, institutions, Stadiums and cruise ships.

  • Trainee / Commis Chef
  • Demi Chef de Partie
  • Chef De Partie
  • Sous Chef
  • Head chef

Entry criteria

Under 20 years

60 credits at NCEA Level 1 including 10 literacy and 10 numeracy credits, or equivalent.

Over 20 years

If you’re 20 years or over, you may qualify for special admission on this programme. Contact us if you don’t meet the Under 20 entry criteria.

International students

Minimum IELTS (academic) score of 5.5 with no band score lower than 5 is required, or equivalent.

Find your country's equivalent academic entry requirements here

*For fee exclusions, please see our terms and conditions. International ākonga study grants are available. Contact international@wandw.ac.nzfor eligibility details.

You must be able to carry out the physical requirements of the programme.

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Please note that degrees and qualifications earned via remote or distance learning are excluded from the overseas credential evaluation and recognition services provided by the Chinese Service Center for Scholarly Exchange (CSCSE). For more information, please contact CSCSE directly: +86-10-62677800 (phone) or visit their website(external link that opens in a new tab).

You can learn more about international recognition of New Zealand qualifications on the NZQA website.