Some performers may fade from fashion, but the best will stand the tests of time and change to become icons. Just so for the Christchurch Town Hall, which has been the city’s heart, and its defining image, for over 50 years

Built to Perform

First opened in 1972, Christchurch Town Hall was revitalized after the 2010/11 earthquakes, emerging stronger and future ready. Operated by Venues Ōtautahi, this iconic heritage venue hosts over 250 events annually, from international music acts to civic ceremonies, all within its beautifully restored spaces.

The transformation included a complete upgrade of its commercial kitchens, designed and fitted by Southern Hospitality in 2019. Equipped with state-of-the-art commercial equipment and heavy-duty cooking equipment from Moffat, the kitchens deliver precision and reliability, essential for large-scale catering. Under the leadership of Executive Chef Dan Shanks, the team creates exceptional menus, blending innovation and sustainability with locally sourced ingredients.

Thanks to restaurant catering equipment that ensures consistent performance, the Town Hall continues to set the standard for event hospitality. It stands as a beacon of resilience, showcasing the perfect balance of history, innovation, and local pride.

A bonus was having the expertise of Moffat close by, with their Christchurch factory being located only 30km away. “The Town Hall serves the community and Moffat, being just down the road, well… they are the community. Everyone talks about being sustainable but this – buying locally – is one you can achieve.” An ethos of sustainability and a commitment to source raw ingredients locally is close to Dan’s heart and is the culinary ethos of Venues Ōtautahi across all its Venues. “We are so close to the source of some of the world’s best produce. As a business, we have the power to showcase these exceptional products, celebrating the hard work of our farmers, growers and producers.”

You must have the math done right and have complete accuracy in your cooking, particularly with big events. So, we need constant airflow a consistent temperature – which is the new equipment gives us.

IN THE KITCHEN

Christchurch Town Hall caters to diverse events, from conferences to performances, demanding kitchens that deliver flexibility and performance. The main kitchen features three Convotherm 40-tray combi ovens, meeting high-volume demands with ease.

The team also relies on Waldorf commercial kitchen equipment, including a 6-burner range, fryers, a griddle, and a 114-litre Crown kettle, all paired with custom benches.

The smaller kitchen mirrors this setup with two Convotherm ovens, a 6-burner range, fryers, a bratt pan, and another Crown kettle, ensuring every dish is flawlessly prepared.

Executive Chef Dan Shanks knows how important quality commercial equipment is for ensuring ease of use, meeting food safety standards and delivering quality menus. “There’s seamless integration in these kitchens – everything clicks together.”