The Ultimate Guide to Commercial Kitchen Solutions in New Zealand

Our philosophy is simple: we believe that every kitchen, regardless of size or purpose, deserves to be efficient, sustainable, and future-ready. We partner with bulk food producers, restaurateurs, architects, and caterers to deliver tailored solutions that address the unique challenges of the New Zealand food industry.

Whether you’re seeking to increase production, navigate a renovation, or build a state-of-the-art kitchen from scratch, Hostservice is your trusted advisor and solutions provider.

Overview of Modern Food Production Challenges & Solutions

New Zealand’s food sector is dynamic but faces increasing complexity. Bulk food producers and hospitality businesses must contend with:

• Labour shortages and rising operational costs
• Stringent food safety and environmental regulations
• The need for greater production efficiency and flexibility
• Sustainability pressures and the drive to reduce waste

Hostservice addresses these challenges with a holistic approach:

• Automation & Smart Equipment: We supply and install automation-ready equipment that reduces manual labour and increases consistency, from high-capacity combi ovens to programmable dishwashers.
• Compliance Support: We guide you through New Zealand’s regulatory landscape, ensuring your kitchen meets the Food Regulations 2015 and NZ Building Code requirements, from proper ventilation and temperature control to pest prevention and hygiene.
• Sustainability Integration: We help you select energy-efficient appliances and waste management systems that lower your environmental impact and operating costs.

Temporary Kitchen Solutions: Keeping Your Business Running

Renovating your kitchen or facing an unexpected closure doesn’t have to mean lost revenue. Hostservice’s temporary kitchen solutions are designed for seamless continuity:

• Container-Based Kitchens: Our temporary kitchens are built in 20ft shipping containers, fully equipped with essential appliances, refrigeration, and dishwashing stations. They connect easily to existing power, water, and waste systems.
• Rapid Deployment: We can deliver and set up a temporary kitchen within days, minimising downtime during renovations, emergencies, or special events.
• Versatile Applications: From restaurant upgrades and school canteens to film set catering and disaster recovery, our solutions are trusted across NZ’s diverse food service landscape.
• Compliance and Safety: Every temporary kitchen meets strict food safety and building standards, with stainless steel surfaces, proper extraction canopies, and temperature-controlled storage.

Case Example: An Omarama Hotel deployed a Hostservice container kitchen whilst undergoing major refurbishment work. With the hotel's original kitchen being more than 100 years old, major changes and renovations were required to ensure it was fit for purpose and able to be a happy hub of the town, for both visitors and locals alike. To allow the hotel to continue operations, we delivered a custom container kitchen. This included a cooking line up, prep area, refrigeration and dishwashing facilities.

Designing and Building a Future-Proof Commercial Kitchen

A well-designed kitchen is the cornerstone of any successful food business. Hostservice collaborates with architects, project managers, and business owners to deliver kitchens that are:

• Workflow-Optimised: We start by mapping your menu and service style, then design the kitchen layout to minimise staff movement and maximise productivity. Common NZ practice allocates 40% of space to the kitchen and 60% to dining, but we tailor every design to your needs.
• Compliant and Safe: All our designs meet NZ’s food safety and building codes, including proper ventilation, grease traps, pest prevention, and temperature control (with hot holding above 60°C, refrigeration below 5°C, and freezers below -18°C).
• Scalable: Modular layouts and multi-functional equipment (like combi ovens and induction ranges) allow for easy upgrades as your business grows.
• Aesthetically Pleasing: With open kitchens becoming more popular, we help select equipment that not only performs but also enhances the customer experience, using modern finishes and intuitive controls.

Design Tip: Always finalise your menu before designing your kitchen—equipment and layout should support your operational goals, not the other way around.

Choosing the Right Commercial Kitchen Products

Equipment selection is critical for efficiency, safety, and sustainability. Hostservice offers a curated range of commercial kitchen products, including:

• Cooking Equipment: Industrial ranges, combi ovens, and fryers—many with energy-efficient induction technology.
• Food Preparation: Mixers, slicers, vacuum sealers, and ergonomic prep stations.
• Dishwashing: High-capacity washers with water-saving features and sanitising cycles.
• Refrigeration: Walk-in cool rooms, under-bench fridges, and blast chillers with precise temperature controls.
• Accessories: From durable cookware to sustainable packaging and reusable baking mats.

Trends to Watch:

• Energy Efficiency: Modern equipment can reduce energy use by up to 40% compared to older models.
• Visual Appeal: Open kitchens and customer-facing equipment are on the rise, so aesthetics matter as much as function.
• Smart Technology: Touchscreen controls, programmable settings, and remote monitoring are becoming standard in new appliances.

Sustainability and Efficiency in Food Production

Sustainability is no longer optional—it’s a business imperative. Hostservice helps clients integrate sustainable solutions at every stage:

• Energy-Efficient Appliances: Induction cooktops, efficient bain maries, and LED lighting reduce power consumption and carbon footprint.
• Sustainable Waste Management: We partner with providers for oil recycling, composting, and food waste diversion, turning waste into biodiesel or animal feed and supporting a circular economy.
• Water Conservation: Low-flow pre-rinse valves, recirculating dishwashers, and efficient plumbing reduce water use.
• Sustainable Materials: We recommend durable, low-emission materials for surfaces and fittings, ensuring longevity and minimal environmental impact.

Hostservice’s Commitment: We maintain a portfolio of the most sustainable and energy-efficient equipment available in NZ and advise on best practices for reducing your kitchen’s environmental impact.

Case Studies: Success Stories from NZ Businesses

Nelson College Fire Recovery: Disaster struck Nelson Boys' College when a fire broke out in the kitchen and rendered it unusable. With a boarding school of hungry mouths to feed, a temporary kitchen solution was required fast. Hostservice had a container kitchen that was able to be delivered and installed almost immediately. This provided all the basic requirements in the kitchen: storage, preparation, cooking and dishwashing. Learn more.

Hop Revolution Harvest Catering: Hop Revolution hired one of our container kitchens to cater for their crew over the harvest. "We hire a container kitchen from Host Service Commercial each hop harvest so we can provide a much-needed hot meal to our crews on the field and in the processing shed. These meals rate the highest in our post-harvest experience surveys and would not be possible without the HS container kitchen and Phil from 'Phil's Place' feeding us.” Learn more.

Film Set Catering in Otago: When we were approached by Set Piece to provide a kitchen facility so they could cater for a film crew, in the beautiful South Island, we couldn't have been more excited to start working to design their kitchen container amongst the spectacular serenity. Learn more.

FAQs: Everything You Need to Know About Commercial Kitchen Solutions

Q: How do I start planning a new commercial kitchen?

A: Finalise your menu, assess your space, and consult with experts like Hostservice to design a workflow-optimised, compliant kitchen.

Q: What are the most important compliance considerations?

A: Food safety (temperature control, hygiene), building code (ventilation, grease traps), and pest prevention are essential. Hostservice ensures all designs meet NZ regulations.

Q: Can I operate during renovations?

A: Yes. Hostservice provides temporary kitchen hire, allowing you to maintain service during upgrades or emergencies.

Q: How can I make my kitchen more sustainable?

A: Choose energy-efficient equipment, implement oil recycling and composting, and design for durability and easy cleaning.

Q: What’s the typical lead time for a new kitchen build?

A: Most projects take 8–12 weeks from design to handover, depending on complexity.

Q: Do you offer financing or leasing options?

A: Yes. Hostservice provides flexible leasing for equipment and temporary kitchens.

Consult with Hostservice

Ready to transform your kitchen operations or tackle your next big project? Hostservice offers:

• Free consultations to assess your needs and goals
• Tailored solutions for food production, temporary kitchens, and new builds
• The latest in sustainable, efficient equipment
• Expert project management from concept to compliance

Contact Hostservice today to discuss your commercial kitchen needs and join the hundreds of New Zealand businesses who have boosted efficiency, sustainability, and profitability with our help.