ROSEMARY ABBOTT | National
NEED FOR SPEED
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has made yet another bold announcement in the ongoing saga of New Zealand’s education overhaul.
Following the much-publicized axing of NCEA, Luxon revealed today that traditional Food Technology credits will be replaced by a brand-new, adrenaline-fueled “ Speed Cooking Exam.”
Gone are the days when students could have several goes at baking a cake or simmering a stew over several weeks, while earning their precious credits in food tech. Now, aspiring chefs at New Zealand high schools will be required to practice all year for a single, nerve-wracking external exam where speed is king and patience is thrown out the window.
Luxon spoke to our reporters this afternoon.
“We’re preparing students for the fast-paced, cutthroat culinary world. It’s not about slow-cooked flavors, it’s about how quickly you can chop, sizzle, and plate under extreme pressure.” Luxon said, practising in a kitchen while tossing away knives without looking at where they landed.
Students will be judged on their ability to produce a full three-course meal in under three minutes, with Luxon explaining the importance of speed in their exams.
“What this country needs is productivity, efficiency and speed. These are exactly the deliverables we’ll be delivering.”
“It’s all about speed in the modern workforce. If you’re not fast, you’re last.” Luxon concluded, as he sliced a full bottle of milk in half with a bread knife.
More to come.
