New Zealand Certificate in Cookery (Level 4)
Gain the skills and confidence to excel in the kitchen and beyond with the New Zealand Certificate in Cookery (Level 4), combining hands-on cookery, culinary techniques, and essential hospitality skills.
NZ$9,743
inc GST
Enquire about international pricing
In-person study
Face-to-face learning in a physical classroom setting
Available in 3 locations
It will take a total of 1 year
NZ$9,743
inc GST
Enquire about international pricing
Core skills this course teaches
Develop and apply practical culinary skills
Learn to effectively prepare and cook dishes for a range of hospitality environments.
Apply health, safety and food safety practices
Understand and implement safe food handling, storage, and work practices in a commercial kitchen.
Menu planning and costing
Gain introductory knowledge in planning menus, costing ingredients, and catering for events.
About This Course
The New Zealand Certificate in Cookery (Level 4) at Toi Ohomai equips students with the practical skills and knowledge needed for a career in professional kitchens. You’ll master a variety of culinary techniques, work in real kitchen environments cooking for customers, and develop essential hospitality abilities like menu planning and teamwork. The course also covers food safety, health and safety practices, and offers flexible options for those already working in the industry.
Course Content
- Preparation, cooking and culinary techniques
- Cold larder preparation and presentation (salads, sandwiches, dressings, buffets)
- Stocks, sauces and soups
- Vegetable, fruit and pulses
- Farinaceous products, rice, grain and egg dishes
- Meat, poultry and offal, cuts and dishes
- Fish and shellfish, cuts and dishes
- Healthier foods and balanced/special diets
- Patisserie and bakery products, hot and cold desserts
- Introduction to menu planning, costing and catering
- Food presentation
- Food safety practices, contamination hazards, and food storage
- Workplace health and safety, and workplace first aid
- Handling and maintenance of knives, equipment and tools in a commercial kitchen
- Teamwork
- Customer service and hosting an event
Entry Requirements
NCEA Level 2 with passes in English or Te Reo Māori, or evidence of equivalent educational achievement
Evidence of ability to complete academic and other programme requirements
Physical capability to safely withstand 4‐8 hour sessions in a commercial kitchen environment
Build towards these roles
ChefCommis ChefKitchen AssistantCafé Cook
Build skills in these industries
HospitalityFood & Beverage
Known for hands-on, industry-aligned education, Toi Ohomai focuses on giving learners real skills that lead to real outcomes. With strong employer connections, supportive teaching, and clear pathways across certificates, diplomas, and degrees, it’s a place where learning stays relevant and confidence grows over time. Courses span trades, construction, business, health, creative industries, technology, and primary industries, helping learners build experience and momentum for whatever comes next.
