How to Become a Chef in New Zealand: A Guide to Making Your Culinary Dreams Come True

If you have a passion for food and dream of becoming a chef in New Zealand, you’re in for an exciting and rewarding career. But where do you start? What training do you need? And how can you land your dream job with no experience? Here’s everything you need to know.

Being a chef requires dedication, creativity, and hard work. You’ll need to master a variety of cooking techniques, understand food safety, and be able to work under pressure in fast-paced environments. Strong teamwork and time management skills are also essential.

If you have no experience, the best way to begin is by gaining hands-on exposure. Consider starting in a kitchen as a kitchen hand or doing unpaid work experience to learn the basics. Many restaurants and cafes are willing to give enthusiastic beginners a chance.

While formal training isn’t always required, it significantly improves your job prospects. In New Zealand, you can study a New Zealand Certificate in Cookery (Level 3 or 4) at institutions like New Zealand School of Food & Wine, AUT, or other polytechnics. More advanced training includes the New Zealand Diploma in Cookery (Level 5 or 6), specializing in culinary arts or pâtisserie.

If you’re in Wellington, you can study at institutions such as WelTec, which offers cookery programs tailored to industry standards. In Auckland, options include the Auckland University of Technology (AUT), the New Zealand School of Food & Wine, and Manukau Institute of Technology, all of which provide excellent training in culinary arts.

Apprenticeships are a great way to learn on the job while earning a wage. Competenz and ServiceIQ offer chef apprenticeships, which typically take three years to complete. Other organisations specialising in cookery apprenticeships include The Restaurant Association of New Zealand and Hospitality New Zealand. You can secure an apprenticeship by applying directly to restaurants, hotels, or catering businesses that offer training programs.

To boost your chances, build a strong resume highlighting any kitchen experience, even unpaid work. Network with chefs, attend industry events, and apply for entry-level roles like kitchen hand or commis chef. Persistence and passion will set you apart. With the right training, determination, and experience, you can turn your dream of becoming a chef into a successful career in New Zealand’s thriving hospitality industry!