Chef and caterer profile pages on Websta in New Zealand

What sections and photos to include on your profile

Your Websta profile is your storefront online. Start with a clear, recent photo of yourself or your team at work. Customers will look for images of finished dishes, plated food, and your kitchen or event setup. Include photos that show the style and quality of your work - whether you do fine dining, catering for events, meal prep, or cooking classes.

Write a short description of what you do. Name the types of cuisine or services you offer: for example, European fine dining, Maori-inspired catering, plant-based menus, corporate events, or private dinner parties. Keep it factual. List the services you provide - this might be on-site cooking for events, catering to a venue the customer chooses, takeaway meals, or cooking classes.

Add a section for your qualifications or experience if you have them. Mention relevant training, certifications, or years in the trade. If you work with dietary requirements such as gluten-free, vegan, or allergen management, list those clearly.

• Professional photo of yourself or your team
• Photos of finished dishes and plated meals
• Photos of your kitchen, event setups, or serving style
• Clear description of the cuisines or styles you offer
• List of services (catering, private dining, classes, etc.)
• Dietary or special requirements you can handle

Services and booking options

On your Websta profile, set out each service separately with a brief description. If you do catering for weddings, corporate events, and private dinners, create a service entry for each. Include what the service includes - the menu consultation, number of courses, serving style, travel within a region, or equipment hire.

Websta offers two ways for customers to get in touch: a contact form for questions and quote requests, or an online booking system where they book a time slot directly. For catering, most customers will want to discuss their event first, so a quote request option works well. You can set this up in your Websta profile settings.

You set your own prices on Websta. Think about how you charge - per head for catering events, per hour for cooking classes, or per menu. Make sure your pricing covers ingredients, travel, time, and your overheads.

Languages on your profile

Publish your profile in English. New Zealand's main business language is English, and Websta's marketplace in New Zealand operates in English. If you want to reach customers who speak Te Reo Maori or other languages, you can mention that in your description - for example, 'I can discuss menus in Te Reo Maori' - but your main profile should be in English so the search system works properly.

How people search for chefs and caterers on Websta

Websta has a marketplace where people search by service and location. They type 'chef', 'caterer', or 'catering' and their town or region. Your profile will appear in results if you set your location correctly. Make sure your profile lists the areas you cover - your home town, nearby cities, or regions you travel to for events.

Customers may also search for specific services like 'wedding catering', 'private chef', 'corporate catering', or 'cooking classes'. If you offer these, mention them in your service titles and descriptions so the search finds you.

Setting up as an independent provider in New Zealand

If you work as a sole trader (self-employed), you need to register with Inland Revenue for GST and income tax. Check the Inland Revenue website for the current requirements. You must keep records of your income and expenses.

For food handling, check with your local council or District Health Board. Depending on whether you cook at home or in a commercial kitchen, you may need approval. Some councils allow small-scale home food business operations under certain conditions; others require a registered commercial kitchen. Get this sorted before you take bookings.

Websta processes payments through Stripe. You set up a Stripe account linked to your own New Zealand bank account. When a customer pays through Websta, the money goes directly to your account. You handle your own tax obligations.

Check whether you need food safety certification or a food handler's license in your region. Requirements vary by council. You may also want to look into public liability insurance if you work at customers' events.

What to write in your first hour

Start by filling in your basic details: your name, phone number, and email. Set your location to the town or region where you work.

Write a short paragraph about what you do - two or three sentences saying what type of food you cook and what services you offer. For example: 'I provide catering for weddings and corporate events across the Auckland region. I specialise in contemporary New Zealand cuisine using local ingredients. I work with your menu preferences and dietary requirements.'

Add at least two services with descriptions. If you do catering, describe one service for events and what it includes. If you cook private dinners or run classes, add those too.

Upload your best photo - a clear image of you or your food. You can add more photos later, but start with one strong image so your profile does not look empty when people find you.

Set up payment through Stripe by connecting your bank account. This only takes a few minutes on Websta and lets customers pay online.

After your profile is live

Once you are on Websta, people in your region can find you in the marketplace for food services. Respond quickly to quote requests and answer questions about your menus and availability. The more complete your profile and the faster you reply, the better your chances of getting bookings.

Update your photos as you do new events or create new dishes. Keep your service descriptions clear and up to date.