Otago Polytechnic Cookery students in shipshape

Students from Otago Polytechnic’s Central Otago Campus recently spent four days in Dusky Sound, where they fished and foraged for Fiordland delicacies as part of a collaboration with Pure Salt and celebrity chef Michael Van Elzen.

The educational adventure, from 11-14 December, involved a former New Zealand Navy vessel renamed Flightless, which was operated by tourism venture Pure Salt.

Under the guidance of television personality and renowned chef Michael Van Elzen, the students created a range of dishes for four paying guests as they cruised through Fiordland.

During their voyage of discovery, the students not only experienced remote wilderness, but also learnt about environmental pressures and unsustainable fishing practices.

Otago Polytechnic’s Central Campus aims to inspire students to think differently, focus on what is around them and recognise that our region offers extraordinary career opportunities.

 “We teach our students how to diversify what they cook to ease the burden on dwindling species and to respect our fabulous resources,” says Chris Smith, Senior Lecturer in Cookery and Culinary Arts at Otago Polytechnic.

“Highlights of the trip included students becoming crew members and catering in a high-end commercial environment. Some of the students were internationals, highlighting our innovative approach to tertiary education.

“Experiences such as this show how we can prepare our cookery students for careers that enable them to showcase New Zealand’s uniqueness.”

Read more about our Cookery programmes

Check out the video >