New Zealand Diploma in Culinary Practice (Level 5) (Cookery)
Food & Beverage
A course by
Otago Polytechnic
A hands-on diploma for aspiring chefs who want to elevate their culinary skills and learn how to manage kitchen teams and food events, with focus on sustainable and culturally responsive dish design.
Blended study
This is a mix of online learning & face-to-face sessions
Available in 2 locations
It will take a total of 1 year
This course requires 40 hours per week
Core skills this course teaches
Innovative Dish and Menu Design
Design innovative, professional dishes and menus influenced by regional, national, and global trends.
Kitchen Management and Leadership
Develop skills to manage kitchen activities, including food supplies, production schedules, and staff.
Sustainable and Culturally Responsive Practices
Apply sustainable practices in culinary design and produce dishes that are culturally responsive.
What You're Signing Up For
This Level 5 diploma programme is designed for junior chefs aiming to advance their culinary careers. Students will learn how to balance flavours for all senses, design and deliver food events, and develop skills in kitchen leadership and management. The flexible structure allows study on campus, by distance, or through work-integrated learning, enabling learners to tailor the programme to their career goals and workplace needs. The curriculum also stresses sustainability, innovation, and culturally responsive dish design.
Course Content
- Deliberate Practice for Kai: Cooking skills and reflective practice
- Sweet Kitchen Pūmanawa: Bakery and dessert creation
- Contemporary Haka Kai: Designing sustainable and culturally responsive cuisine
- Sensory Design: Producing balanced culinary items from a sensory perspective
- Culinary Leadership and Management: Kitchen management and leadership principles
- Implementing Manaakitaka: Planning and delivering a food event with leadership and teamwork
What you need to know first
New Zealand Certificate in Cookery (Level 4) or equivalent
Relevant culinary work experience or equivalent
What sort of industry will this job lead to
Hospitality
Food and Beverage
Future employment opportunities might be
Junior chef
Kitchen supervisor
Team leader (culinary)
Food event planner
Otago Polytechnic is known for high quality, hands on learning that leads to strong outcomes. With excellent student satisfaction, high graduate employment rates, and a commitment to sustainability, it’s a place where practical skills meet purpose. Their award winning programmes span design, fashion, creative arts, trades, health, and business, giving you real experience and real confidence for whatever comes next.