Makayla Todd

Makayla Todd is set to graduate in early 2025, having achieved a Certificate in Cookery Level 4 at Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology. Based in Taupō, Makayla travelled three days a week to complete her training at our institute’s Rotorua campus on Mokoia Drive.

She says the invaluable skills and industry knowledge she has gained – along with the free, daily shuttle service available to all students between Taupō and Rotorua – easily made the commute worth it.

“Growing up, I’ve always loved preparing food and cooking for my whānau. When I started working as a kitchen hand at a rest home in Taupō, I knew cheffing was a career I wanted to pursue so it was important to me to upskill.”

Makayla enrolled in a Certificate in Cookery Level 4 at Toi Ohomai, and continued working part-time alongside to her course throughout 2024. She says the course was practical and fun, and she had the opportunity to learn more experts with many years of experience in the food service and hospitality industries.

“Tutors pass on the food tips and tricks they’ve acquired over many years… that significantly improves your food preparation, cooking and presenting,” Makayla says.  

“I’ve learnt how properly plate the dishes I make, with colour contrast to make the dishes more appealing. I’ve also found learning how to fillet different types of fish very interesting – that was something very new to me! Our tutor works hard to make sure our class understands everything we’re learning… and I’m proud of myself for being committed to my studies even when some of the assessments were difficult.”

Looking ahead to the future, Makayla hopes to work on a cruise ship as a chef – seeing it as an opportunity to explore the world. One day she would also love to own and operate a restaurant in Taupō.

Her next steps on her vocational journey though, are gaining more work experience in the hospitality sector over the summer break. In the new year she will return to Toi Ohomai to continue her training by moving into the more advance, Diploma in Cookery (Level 5).

We wish Makayla all the best for her graduation ceremony in March 2025, as well as her bright future in food service!