Why Now Is the Best Time to Become Self-Employed in NZ: Catering & Bartending Edition
Kia ora to all catering and bartending pros thinking about going self-employed! The food and drink scene in New Zealand is thriving post-pandemic, with events and gatherings on the rise. Now’s the perfect time to launch or grow your own catering or bartending business with tips tailored to meeting local needs and standing out.
Here are some tips that you might find interesting:
1. Tap into Rising Event Demand
With weddings, corporate events, and private parties on the up, there’s a growing appetite for personalised and professional catering and bartending services across NZ.
From a backyard barbecue in Hamilton to a wedding in Wellington’s botanic gardens, Kiwis are keen for memorable food and drink experiences.
2. Specialise to Stand Out
Specialising in areas like craft cocktails, ethnic cuisines, or dietary-specific menus (vegan, gluten-free) helps set your business apart.
For example, offering a unique Kiwi twist on classic cocktails or locally sourced ingredients appeals strongly to New Zealanders who love fresh, authentic food and drink.
3. Use Yada to Find Local Gigs
Yada connects local catering and bartending pros with clients seeking quality services. The platform is free to use for specialists, with no lead or success fees eating into your profits.
Its private chat and rating system help build trustworthy client relationships in cities and regional towns alike.
4. Collect Genuine Client Testimonials
Word-of-mouth remains one of the strongest ways to grow your business. Ask happy clients for testimonials that you can showcase on Yada or your social channels.
Sharing stories about how you made a wedding or corporate event truly special builds confidence in new clients.
5. Offer Transparent Pricing
Clear, upfront pricing removes surprises and builds trust. Be honest about your costs for ingredients, labour, travel, and any special equipment.
Yada’s commission-free system means you keep more of what you earn while offering competitive pricing tailored to your local market.
6. Leverage Local Community Connections
Network with local suppliers, venues, and event organisers to build referral pipelines. Many smaller towns like Nelson or Dunedin have tight communities where word gets around fast.
Participate in community events or food markets to showcase your offerings and gather leads face-to-face.
7. Maintain a Professional Online Presence
Clients often search online first. A clean, professional Yada profile with photos, menu options, pricing, and glowing reviews makes a strong impression.
Combine this with active social media sharing of your latest menus or event setups to engage potential customers.
8. Stay on Top of Food Safety and Trends
Complying with New Zealand’s food safety regulations is crucial. Consider regular training to stay certified and confident.
Keeping up with trends-such as sustainable catering or craft cocktail innovations-helps you meet evolving client expectations.
9. Organise Your Business Efficiently
Strong organisation-from inventory management to invoicing and bookings-is key. Tools integrated with Yada’s platform help streamline communications and job tracking.
This professionalism reassures clients and helps you manage busy event seasons smoothly.
10. Balance Passion with Self-Care
Catering and bartending are rewarding but high-pressure roles. Setting boundaries, prioritising rest, and finding support networks in NZ’s hospitality community sustain your energy and enthusiasm.
A balanced approach ensures you deliver amazing experiences without burning out.