Setting up a food business
If you are planning to set up a new food business or purchase an existing business, we are here to help. The council's Environmental Health Team will be able to advise you of the requirements to operate a food business in the Waitaki district.
Depending on your plans, you may also need to speak with our Planning, Building, or Alcohol teams. Once you’ve gathered all the relevant documentation — enough information for us to provide the best possible support — please contact our Customer Services team on (03) 433 0300. They’ll create a service request (CRM) to ensure the right people get in touch to assist you.
From 1 July 2025 all registered food businesses will pay the Government's Food Business Levy. More information on that on MPI's website Food Business Levy
| Team |
Officers |
| Environmental Health |
Tania Lowen |
| Alcohol Licensing Inspector ( If your business is involved in the sale of alcohol ) |
Carolyn Van Zyl - Alcohol |
| Building and/or Drainage and Plumbing |
Building team duty officer - Building |
| Planning |
Planning team duty officer - Planning |
Also view the page of New Zealand Food Safety- Starting a food business.
We recommend that anyone who is making or selling food completes food safety qualifications. Training is available from:
Resources
For current resources, practical advice and information on the Food Act 2014, refer to MPI-Food Safety. You can also subscribe to Food Act 2014 website updates.