Mehul Ganjawalla
New Zealand Diploma in Cookery - Level 5
Mehul Ganjawalla has come a long way since moving to New
Zealand seven years ago. His NSIA cookery diploma gave him all the right
ingredients to launch his career, and since graduating he has worked his way up
in the industry at lightning speed. Now he is at the top of his field, working
as an executive chef across three of New Zealand’s most luxurious properties.
NSIA was the
springboard to your career in New Zealand. What have you been doing since you
graduated?
During my NSIA studies I worked part-time at the Hilton Auckland, and after
graduating I went full-time there as a chef de partie. For the last
six-and-a-half years I’ve been working hard at a number of highly regarded
places in New Zealand, gaining the experience I needed to get where I am today.
As Group Executive Chef for Select Hotels and Resorts International I oversee two
of the Group’s South Island properties – Select Braemar Lodge and Spa in Hanmer
Springs and Fino Hotel & Suites in Christchurch. I also oversee Hotel
Ashburton in Mid Canterbury.
What did you gain
from your NSIA studies?
The practical training I received at NSIA really helped me flourish in
New Zealand. The tutors have a very high level of professionalism and they gave
me an in-depth knowledge of all the subjects. At NSIA I developed the skill set
I needed to meet industry standards as a chef. Tutors inspired and encouraged me
to be innovative in my cooking and my passion was developed to its highest
level.
How are you enjoying
life in NZ?
I came to New Zealand from Mumbai in 2011 to follow my passion for
culinary arts and excel in my hospitality career. I was very keen to pursue
opportunities in the New Zealand market and NSIA was a good training ground. Living
here has been a fantastic and eye-opening experience. I have had the
opportunity to work with good chefs and teams who have shared their knowledge,
skills and experience with me and made me what I am today.
Select Hotels and
Resorts International
Select Hotels and Resorts International has luxury getaways
in stunning locations across New Zealand, Australia, Asia and the South
Pacific. From exclusive hotels and resorts, to lodges, hideaways and secluded
escapes, their unique collection of offerings are hand-picked to meet the
highest standards of service and quality. In New Zealand, Select Hotels and
Resorts International operates five majestic properties in the North Island and
nine in the South Island.