TE ARA MANAAKI
Learn • Grow • Belong
"He huarahi mō āpōpō — a pathway for tomorrow."
Te Ara Manaaki is the flagship training programme of Te Whare o Kai Manahau Trust, providing practical hospitality training, mentoring and employment pathways for people within our community.
We believe learning should be practical, supportive and meaningful.
Delivered in a real hospitality environment, Te Ara Manaaki combines hands-on experience, nationally recognised training pathways and personal development to help participants build confidence, gain workplace skills and prepare for employment.
Whether you're leaving school, returning to work, looking for a career change or simply wanting to learn new skills, Te Ara Manaaki offers a pathway towards opportunity.
Our Purpose
Te Ara Manaaki was created to remove barriers to education and employment by providing practical learning opportunities within a supportive environment.
Rather than learning only in a classroom, participants develop their skills while working alongside experienced hospitality professionals, mentors and industry partners.
Our programme is designed to build confidence, strengthen life skills and create genuine pathways into employment, further education and lifelong learning.
Who Can Join?
Te Ara Manaaki welcomes people from all walks of life who are ready to learn and grow.
Our programme may be suitable for:
• School leavers
• Young people exploring career pathways
• Adults seeking new opportunities
• People returning to employment
• Individuals wanting practical workplace skills
• Those interested in hospitality careers
• Anyone looking to build confidence and gain recognised experience
No previous hospitality experience is required.
What You'll Learn
Training is delivered through practical, hands-on learning in a real café environment.
Participants have the opportunity to develop skills in:
Hospitality Skills
• Customer service
• Front of house operations
• Café service
• Food preparation
• Food presentation
• Kitchen organisation
• Teamwork
Barista Skills
• Espresso preparation
• Milk texturing
• Coffee extraction
• Drink presentation
• Café workflow
• Equipment care
Food Safety
• Safe food handling
• Personal hygiene
• Cleaning and sanitising
• Food Control Plan practices
• Health and Safety
• Safe workplace procedures
Workplace Skills
• Communication
• Time management
• Professional behaviour
• Problem solving
• Responsibility
• Leadership
• Teamwork
• Customer care
Personal Development
We believe confidence is just as important as qualifications.
Participants are encouraged to develop:
• Self-confidence
• Positive communication
• Workplace resilience
• Goal setting
• Professional presentation
• Employment readiness
Nationally Recognised Learning
Where appropriate, participants may work towards nationally recognised hospitality qualifications through our industry training partner, ServiceIQ.
Workplace learning may include:
• NZQA Unit Standards
• Workplace assessments
• Evidence gathering
• Practical demonstrations
• Industry verification
• Qualification pathways
Learning takes place in a real workplace where participants gain valuable experience while working towards recognised outcomes.
How Te Ara Manaaki Works
Step One
Complete our online Expression of Interest form.
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Step Two
We'll arrange an informal conversation to discuss your goals, interests and how Te Ara Manaaki may support your journey.
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Step Three
If the programme is the right fit, we'll develop your individual learning pathway.
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Step Four
Begin practical hospitality training within a real café environment while receiving mentoring and ongoing support.
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Step Five
Develop confidence, gain practical skills, complete workplace learning and prepare for employment or further education.
Why Hospitality?
Hospitality is about much more than serving food and making coffee.
It teaches skills that employers value in every industry.
Participants learn how to:
✓ Communicate confidently
✓ Work as part of a team
✓ Solve problems
✓ Manage their time
✓ Deliver excellent customer service
✓ Work safely
✓ Show leadership
✓ Take responsibility
✓ Build confidence
✓ Develop professionalism
These are lifelong skills that open doors to many different career pathways.
Hospitality provides an environment where people can grow personally while gaining valuable workplace experience.
What Makes Te Ara Manaaki Different?
Unlike traditional classroom learning, Te Ara Manaaki provides practical experience from day one.
Participants benefit from:
✓ Real workplace learning
✓ Experienced mentors
✓ Individual support
✓ Small learning groups
✓ Practical hospitality experience
✓ Nationally recognised learning pathways
✓ Strong community partnerships
✓ Employment-focused outcomes
Our goal is not simply to teach hospitality.
Our goal is to help people believe in themselves and create opportunities for their future.
Meet Your Trainer
Training is led by Tamsin Radick, founder of Kai Manahau and a hospitality professional with more than ten years of industry experience.
Having built and operated a hospitality business within the Coromandel community, Tamsin understands the importance of practical learning, resilience and creating opportunities for others.
Her passion is helping people develop confidence through real workplace experience while building the practical skills employers value.
Every participant is supported through encouragement, mentoring and hands-on learning in a welcoming environment where everyone has the opportunity to succeed.
Our Partners
Te Ara Manaaki is strengthened through collaboration.
We work alongside schools, employers, industry training organisations, local businesses, community groups and funding partners who share our commitment to creating opportunities for people and strengthening our community.
Together we are building pathways that lead to confidence, qualifications and employment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need previous hospitality experience?
No.
Te Ara Manaaki is suitable for beginners as well as those wishing to improve existing skills.
Where is the training delivered?
Training takes place within a real hospitality environment in Coromandel.
Will I gain qualifications?
Where appropriate, participants may work towards nationally recognised hospitality qualifications through ServiceIQ workplace learning pathways.
Is there a cost?
Programme availability and funding may vary.
We'll discuss any costs or funding opportunities during the enrolment process.
How do I apply?
Simply complete our online Expression of Interest form.
We'll then contact you to discuss the next steps.
Begin Your Journey
Every journey begins with one step.
If you're ready to build confidence, gain practical skills and create new opportunities, we'd love to hear from you.
Whether you're taking your first step into hospitality or looking for a fresh start, Te Ara Manaaki is here to support your journey.
Learn • Grow • Belong
"He huarahi mō āpōpō — a pathway for tomorrow."
"Creating opportunities through hospitality, education and community."