How to Start a Certified Home Kitchen in New Zealand

Love to cook? Dreams of turning your home kitchen into a business? Here's everything you need to know about becoming a certified home kitchen in New Zealand.

Step 1: Register for an NZBN

An NZBN (New Zealand Business Number) is a unique 13-digit identifier for businesses in New Zealand. It's free and straightforward to register.

Here's how:

1. Go to business.govt.nz
2. Fill out the registration form with your personal details and home address
3. Select your business type (likely "Sole Trader" or "Partnership" to start)
4. Include "food service" or "catering" in your business activities

You'll receive your NZBN immediately upon registration. Keep this safe — you'll need it for everything that follows.

Step 2: Get Food Safety Certification

To legally prepare and sell food from home in New Zealand, you need to meet food safety requirements. Here's what that involves:

Food Control Plan vs Template Food Control Plan

Most home kitchens start with a Template Food Control Plan (TFCP). This is a simpler, more affordable option compared to a full Food Control Plan.

Requirements typically include:

• Completing a food safety course (often a 6-8 hour program)
• Passing a food safety audit of your kitchen
• Keeping records of ingredient sourcing and food preparation
• Following proper food handling and storage procedures

You can complete training through providers like Alison (free online course), or attend in-person training through local providers.

Step 3: Verify Your Space

Your kitchen needs to meet certain standards:

• Clean surfaces: Food preparation areas must be clean and sanitized
• Proper storage: Adequate refrigeration and storage space
• Pest control: No evidence of pest infestations
• Hand washing facilities: Easy access to hand washing station
• Separate from pets: No pets in the food preparation area

Step 4: List Your Kitchen on Gula

Once you have your NZBN and food safety documentation, you're ready to list on Gula:

1. Sign up at gula.co.nz/merchants
2. Upload your NZBN and certification docs
3. Create your first menu (with deadline!)
4. Set your delivery zones and fees
5. Go live once verified

What Gula Offers Home Kitchens

Unlike other platforms, Gula is built specifically for home kitchens:

• 6% platform fee — significantly lower than Uber Eats (30%) or Delivereasy (%)
• Zero commission on delivery fees — you keep 100% of what you charge for delivery
• Pre-order model — you know exactly how much to cook
• DoorDash-Free guarantee — no hidden fees, ever

Ready to Start?

Starting a home kitchen in New Zealand is more achievable than ever. With Gula, you have a platform that understands your needs and takes a fraction of what the big players charge.