Getting started

First Steps in Establishing a Food Business

Establishing a food business can be quite daunting as there are a number of matters to consider in order to comply with Council and NZ Food Safety Authority (MAF) and other legal requirements.

Nelson City Council advises that you obtain Council Advisory Briefings (‘catching the CAB’) as part of your due diligence prior to formalising any agreement, purchase, or lease of a property you propose to use for your food business. 

Catching a CAB will help ensure that you reach your destination on time comfortably!

Simply contact Council’s Customer Services Officers on +64 3 546 0200 and tell them you want to arrange for a Council Advisory Briefing.

Download the Council Advisory Briefing request form (67KB PDF).

The Customer Services Officer will then organise half hour appointments (to suit your schedule) with one or all of the above contact persons so that you can be sure that you have all the necessary Council Information before you proceed with your proposal.

In addition, you are advised to consult with the following Council departments and external agencies:

Building Control Services

For advice on building/drainage and plumbing permits, disabled access and fire safety, and earthquake compliance contact the Duty Building Officer.

Planning Consents

For advice on Council’s Resource Management Plan and whether your proposed business is a permitted activity or requires a Resource Consent contact the Duty Planner.

Liquor Licensing

Is your operation to include the sale/consumption of liquor? The Liquor Licensing Inspector will be able to advise you on issues relating to the sale of alcohol.

Trade Waste

If you are likely to be adding large amounts of waste water into Council’s sewerage system you may require a Grease Trap and/or Trade Waste Consent.

External agencies

Public Health Unit at the District Health Board

If you intend to package food for onward sale to other retail outlets (other than your own) you will need approval from the Public Health Unit. A Health Protection Officer will be able to give advice on food recalls, food labelling, permitted levels of additives in food and how you can develop Food Safety Programmes.

This unit also deal with the Smoke Free Environment Legislation which restricts smoking in public places

Phone: +64 3 546 1537

New Zealand Food Safety Authority (NZFSA)

The NZFSA has overall responsibility for food safety in New Zealand. Their website has information which both the public and business operators will find of use. Information on subjects such as food safety legislation, recalls and alerts, the latest hot topic related to food, food borne infectious disease information, registers and lists and much more.