From school to real-world skills
Rai Valley ākonga (student) Lorna O’Donnell has explored several STAR courses at NMIT over two years, gaining practical skills and career confidence.
From NMIT training kitchens to international culinary competitions
NMIT Cookery graduate Paige Hutchinson is building a reputation as one of Te Tauihu's emerging culinary talents, representing New Zealand on the international stage.
Ongoing skills and success
Paige has just returned home from Melbourne where she represented the South Island and won three Silver Hat medals in the prestigious 2026 Nestlé Golden Chef Hat competition(external link).
Since graduating from NMIT in 2021, Paige has progressed through varied chef and sous chef roles, in New Zealand and overseas, focussing on growing her skills and challenging herself through competition.
Currently working at the Smoking Barrel eatery in Motueka(external link), Paige has embraced the challenge of being a vegetarian in a smoked-meat-focused kitchen, broadening her culinary knowledge and growing beyond her comfort zone
Building confidence through competition
Paige first entered the Nestlé Golden Chef Hat competition(external link) while studying at NMIT and has competed every year since, earning numerous medals and developing skills that have helped shape her career.
"I was only 18 when I first competed, and receiving a medal at that age was something I was really proud of," Paige says. "Every year I've entered I've learned something new, gained confidence and become a better chef."
Paige credits NMIT tutors and access to the institute's professional training kitchens with helping her prepare for competition.
"The support from my tutors has been huge. NMIT gave me a place to practise and prepare, and tutors like Helen Murphy have continued to support me with feedback and mock judging sessions. Having that encouragement has made a real difference."
Choosing the local pathway
Growing up in Marlborough, Paige began helping to prepare family meals from a young age, and cooking soon became second nature.
After gaining practical experience working in hospitality, she decided to build on her skills with a formal qualification. Although she considered moving to Christchurch to study, Paige chose to stay closer to home and enrol in NMIT’s New Zealand Certificate in Cookery (Level 4)(external link) programme.
"NMIT gave me the technical knowledge and industry understanding that I didn't get from working alone. It helped me understand the 'why' behind what we do in professional kitchens and gave me the confidence to back myself.”
Learning from passionate people
One of the highlights of Paige's time at NMIT was learning alongside like-minded classmates who shared her passion for cooking.
"Everyone in our class had the same goal and passion for food. We became incredibly close, and many of those friendships have lasted well beyond graduation."
She also credits NMIT's tutors with helping students succeed both personally and professionally.
“The tutors genuinely care about their students' success, both in the teaching kitchen and beyond.”
“They understand that everyone learns differently and adapt their teaching to help each student grow. Plus, they're always willing to spend extra time supporting people when they need it."
NMIT Cookery experiences such as Cake Day, restaurant service in the Rata Room, and MasterChef-style challenges help students develop their skills and confidence in professional kitchen environments.
Building skills, experience and industry connections
As part of the programme, Paige completed an industry placement at the acclaimed Arbour restaurant in Marlborough, gaining exposure to high-level culinary standards and learning from experienced chefs.
"Our tutors helped us identify workplaces we were interested in and supported us with contacts, references and opportunities. Those experiences gave me the confidence to approach employers and keep pushing myself throughout my career."
NMIT Cookery tutor Merouane Rahal says it is exciting to follow graduates’ successes and celebrate their achievements as they progress through the industry.
"One of the most rewarding parts of our job is seeing where our graduates go after they leave NMIT. We're proud to support emerging professionals like Paige, by providing access to our professional training kitchens and staying connected as they continue developing their careers.”
Looking ahead
For Paige, graduation was only the beginning.
“My NMIT Cookery qualification has given me a really strong foundation, but more than that - the relationships and opportunities I gained there have opened so many doors.”
"My goal now is to keep developing, compete at the highest level and continue building my place within the industry."
