EIT Tutor Grant Sipeli. Born in Auckland to Niuean parents, he has taught Māori youth as a diving instructor and has five Māori grandchildren

In a first for Hawke’s Bay, EIT is to offer a marae cookery programme as a national qualification.EIT will be supported by kuia, kaumātua and kaitakatū in offering the Level 3 National Certificate in Hospitality (Basic Cookery) at the Te Aranga Marae in Flaxmere and the Pukemokimoki Marae in Maraenui.Beginning on the week starting July 21, the programme will run over 18 weeks.  A maximum of 15 students accepted to train at each of the two venues will learn the basics of cooking and then how to apply that knowledge to cooking for large numbers.

“Horticulture students work in gardens at both marae,” says tutor Grant Sipeli, “so we will be able to demonstrate the value of healthy eating by sourcing fresh produce grown on site.”

Students on the marae cookery programme will be taught how to budget and how to work out portions in catering for a large number of people.  The programme is also about ensuring the skills of kaitakatū, who prepare communal meals on marae, are passed on to a new generation of Māori.

“We even have one supporting us by enrolling in the course,” says Grant, who mentored fellow culinary students when he was completing his qualification at EIT.   Born in Auckland to Niuean parents, he has taught Māori youth as a diving instructor and has five Māori grandchildren.

“I am really looking forward to teaching the programme and giving something back to the community.  Once it gets up and running, it is going to have a very positive impact.”

Each marae is assigning a kaumatua to guide students on the protocol for serving food on a marae – tikanga which will include welcoming manuhiri (visitors) and the order of service.

After completing his Diploma in Professional Chef Practice at EIT, Grant worked at Craggy Range’s Terroir restaurant.  If it proves a success the pilot programme is expected to become a regularly EIT offering.  It will also be offered next semester at two venues on the East Coast.  A Level 3 qualification the National National Certificate in Hospitality provides a pathway to Level 4 Professional Chef Practice programmes at EIT.