Continental rebounds with new facility

Rangiora-based event catering and hire equipment business Continental has marked 50 years in the hospitality business with the opening of a purpose-built facility.

The new building, opened by Prime Minister John Key, brings the hires and marquees division, and the catering and administration teams, together for the first time.

The business started in 1965 when a bakery with a little out-catering on the side was purchased by newlyweds Joan and David Ward.

“We were really keen but very green,” Joan Ward recalls. “Sadly, the European baker we bought the new business from – Joe Wolfkamp – died shortly after the purchase.

“The intention had been for him to stay in the business with us for some time as a mentor – so we were really thrown into the deep end. Fortunately we were able to swim.”

Their son, Greg Ward, took over the business as managing director in 2002.

He says the new building is as much a tribute to his parents’ sheer determination, hard work and adaptability as it is about an exciting new chapter in Continental’s history.

The company lost 70% of its business in the Canterbury earthquakes, when its main venue, Mona Vale in Fendalton, was damaged and the conference market plummeted.

He says the move to the new facility will make the business more efficient and provide even better service to their customers.

“But we also have great confidence in the future of Canterbury, hence our continued investment and renewed commitment to the region.”

The company employs 55 full-time staff and up to 200 casual staff in the busy summer period.

Nevil Gibson for NBR Food Industry Week
Thu, 05 Mar 2015

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