Te Pae Christchurch: Behind the Scenes of a World-Class Commercial Kitchen

When Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre opened in late 2021, it marked a key milestone in the city’s post-earthquake renewal. However, planning for its state-of-the-art commercial kitchen began three years earlier to ensure it could cater to diverse events with efficiency and excellence.

Through Rau Paenga Limited (formerly Ōtākaro Limited), the New Zealand government commissioned Southern Hospitality to design and install the kitchen. They aimed to create a modern, purpose-built culinary space equipped with industry-leading food service equipment to deliver exceptional dining experiences. The result is a sophisticated commercial kitchen with dedicated areas for preparation, cold food, and hot food, enabling seamless service for events of any scale.

With the capacity to serve up to 1,600 guests and cater to 24 meeting rooms, Te Pae’s kitchen is a hub of constant activity. From intimate gatherings to large conferences, the variety of events demands flexibility, precision, and high-performance equipment.

Food is integral to the manaakitanga  (hospitality) that is at the heart of Te Pae itself.

 

Helping make hospitality possible for hundreds and thousands each week is a bespoke kitchen, featuring a range of Moffat manufactured and supplied equipment.

Leading the Culinary Team: Executive Chef Desmond Davies

At the helm is Executive Chef Desmond Davies, whose global experience spans South Africa, the UK, Poland, and Malaysia. Having encountered Moffat equipment throughout his career, he was surprised to learn it was manufactured just 30 kilometers from Christchurch.

For Des and his team, Te Pae is more than a convention centre—it’s a gathering place where food enhances the experience. “We focus on local, local, local,” says Des. “If a client wants a themed menu, we tailor it while incorporating the best Canterbury and New Zealand ingredients.”

A Constantly Evolving Culinary Landscape

There are no two weeks that are the same in Te Pae’s kitchen. One day, they might prepare a cocktail event for 250 guests: the next, canapés for 1,500 or a multi-course awards dinner for 350. Some events require morning tea, lunch, and afternoon tea for hundreds, while others demand elaborate banquets.

Meeting these demands requires meticulous planning and reliable equipment. “You have a plan, do the prep, put all the pieces together, and then trust the equipment to perform,” says Des. Understanding how each piece functions is essential for efficiency and consistency.

INSIDE THE KITCHEN

Southern Hospitality played a key role in designing a functional, energy-efficient layout that supports Te Pae’s dynamic needs. The commercial kitchen features top-tier food service equipment, including Waldorf ranges, fryers, and Waldorf griddles, Friginox blast chillers, and Culino and Crown commercial cooking kettles.

The Metos Culino kettles were new to Des and his team, but Moffat provided training to ensure they could maximize their use, particularly for batch cooking. Supporting local businesses was a priority for Te Pae, and Moffat’s reputation for quality and innovation made them a natural choice.

A highlight for Des and his team was visiting Moffat’s nearby Rolleston factory to see firsthand how the equipment they rely on is made. “The Waldorf gas ranges , griddles, and fryers… it’s all made just here.”

Additionally, the kitchen includes a Convotherm combi steamer and Metos equipment to further enhance cooking efficiency. These versatile appliances allow the team to prepare food with precision, ensuring every meal is cooked to perfection.

A KITCHEN DESIGNED FOR EXCELLENCE

With cutting-edge facilities, an expert team, and a commitment to exceptional food, Te Pae Christchurch sets a high standard for event catering. Every plate reflects careful planning, skilled execution, and a deep respect for local ingredients.

For Desmond Davies and his team, each day brings new challenges, but their mission remains the same—creating remarkable dining experiences that bring people together in the heart of Ōtautahi Christchurch.