Te Tupu Tahi: Growing Hospitality Talent in New Zealand’s Far North

With 28 years of industry experience, Fasnacht’s journey from apprentice chef to successful business owner highlights the dedication, resilience, and passion required to thrive in hospitality. Yet, he knows that long-term success isn’t just about business growth—it’s about investing in people. That’s why he’s a key supporter of the Te Tupu Tahi training programme, a collaboration between the Restaurant Association and NorthTec.

Why Te Tupu Tahi Matters

For years, Fasnacht felt that the hospitality industry in the Far North was lacking structured training opportunities for young people. “There was a bit of a thorn in my side that we didn’t have any chef schools up in Kaitaia,” he says. “Hospitality is one of the biggest industries in New Zealand, but we need to look after it. More funding should be going into hospitality and promotion to make it attractive as a career.”

Te Tupu Tahi is helping to fill that gap. The programme offers structured work-based training for aspiring hospitality professionals, equipping them with industry-recognized qualifications working alongside the hands-on skills they need to succeed.

A Win-Win for Employers and Employees

Fasnacht has seen firsthand the benefits of the programme for both his employees and his business. Several of his staff have completed the Level 3 Cookery Programme, with at least one now very eager to progress to Level 4. “That makes me very proud,” he says. “I’ve seen our trainees gain confidence, knowledge, and pride in their work. Level 3 is just the first step, but the key is to keep them progressing.”

Te Tupu Tahi isn’t just about giving young people a pathway into the industry—it’s about strengthening the entire hospitality sector. Fasnacht emphasizes that training takes effort, but the long-term payoff is worth it. “It needs quite a bit of effort initially, but it helps tremendously in the long run. You have to trust your staff and be with them through the whole journey.”

Encouraging More Businesses to Get Involved

Fasnacht believes more hospitality employers should embrace Te Tupu Tahi, not just for the benefit of their businesses but for the industry as a whole. “I promote it as much as I can. It’s not for everyone, but it’s great for getting young people into the industry. In the past, we used to have students come in for trial days during school holidays to get a taste of the industry. We need more of that kind of exposure.”

The key, he says, is for students and newcomers to experience hospitality firsthand. “Don’t just judge hospitality by what you see from the outside. Roll up your sleeves, try it out, and see if this is really your trade.”

Building the Future of Hospitality

From his early days in Swiss kitchens to leading multiple businesses in New Zealand’s Far North, Fasnacht has shown that adaptability and perseverance are essential to success in hospitality. However, he also recognizes that true success is built on people—mentoring, training, and fostering the next generation of hospitality professionals.

By championing programmes like Te Tupu Tahi, he’s not only securing the future of his own establishments, including Kaitaia’s iconic Beachcomber Restaurant, but also helping to create a stronger, more skilled hospitality workforce for New Zealand’s future.

For businesses looking to invest in their teams and build a pipeline of skilled workers, Te Tupu Tahi offers an opportunity to nurture talent, improve staff retention, and contribute to the growth of the industry. As Fasnacht puts it, “Hospitality is a great tool to have, and anyone can do it. If you can work in a team, you can learn so much from your fellow workers. We just need to make sure they have the opportunities to grow.”

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The Restaurant Association and NorthTec Te Tupu Tahi programme offer the following training:

· NZ Certificate in Cookery Level 3 and Level 4

· NZ Certificate in Food & Beverage Level 3

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