Culinary skills opening international opportunities

Studying culinary arts has opened doors Zennah Andrew-Maui never imagined. The Ōpōtiki 19-year-old has been honing her skills in the kitchen at Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology but is now preparing to embark on a new adventure, working at a five-star resort in the United States.  

Zennah has completed both Level 4 and Level 5 Culinary Arts at the Toi Ohomai Mokoia Campus and is getting ready to head to Montage Deer Valley resort in Utah in May.

“I honestly didn’t think something like this would happen,” she says. “This is what I was hoping for, I knew that culinary arts would give me opportunities to see the world.”

Zennah has never travelled internationally, and is making a family trip to Rarotonga before heading to the States.  

While the idea of leaving home is daunting, she says the excitement outweighs the nerves.

“I’m nervous, but I’m mostly just excited to experience something different and see how kitchens operate over there.”

Zennah began her culinary journey at Toi Ohomai with the Level 4 programme, before continuing into Level 5 to further develop her skills. She says the progression between the two programmes helped build her confidence and made her feel ready to take on a professional kitchen environment.

Working in a five-star alpine resort kitchen is a major step, and Zennah is aware of the high standards expected in that environment.

“It’s a big jump, but that’s what I’m looking forward to,” she says. “I want to learn as much as I can, watch how experienced chefs work, and really challenge myself.”

She credits Toi Ohomai tutors for preparing her for the realities of the culinary industry.

“They’re really honest about what it’s like,” she says. “They don’t sugar-coat it, but they also support you and want you to do well. That made a big difference for me.”

She says the tutors and supportive environment at Toi Ohomai hugely influenced her growth and her self belief.  

For Zennah, heading overseas is not just about cooking, it’s also about personal growth.

“I think it’s going to build my confidence a lot,” she says. “Being away from home, meeting new people, and working in that kind of environment will push me in a good way.”

Despite the distance, Zennah says her whānau have been supportive and proud of her achievements.

“They’re excited for me, even though it’s hard knowing how far away I’ll be,” she says. “I’m really grateful for their support.”

As she prepares to trade the familiarity of home for the snowy mountains of Utah, Zennah is focused on making the most of the opportunity.

“I don’t know exactly where I want to end up yet,” she says. “But I know this experience is going to help shape what comes next.”