The Continental Team

Company Directors

Greg Ward - Managing Director

Born into catering and raised at events, Greg has a blue-blood hospitality pedigree.  With a natural love of good food, working experience of all aspects of the business and true understanding of the markets' requirements, Greg leads an enthusiastic team in a constant drive to redefine and improve the service and products we offer.

Telephone:   (03) 311 8220

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David and Joan Ward -  Founders and Directors

This highly successful combination began in 1965 with the purchase of Continental Bakery, developing it into the multi-million dollar business it is today.  Their vision, commitment and motivation have resulted in a culture of outstanding service and professionalism.

Today Joan takes an active role in Sales Management and you will often find her in the kitchen or at an event site making sure everything is running to the exceptionally high standard delivered by Continental.

Telephone:  (03) 811 8220

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Event Catering - Cuisine and Operations

Will Van Heeswyck - Food and Beverage Manager

With a wealth of knowledge and experience in hospitality, Will oversees and is responsible for and delivering excellence in food and beverage service through our Continental Event Catering Team.   Will loves food and takes exceptional pride in what Continental is offering and the calibre of product delivered.

DDI:  03 311 8218

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Marko Meingassner - Executive Chef

Marko has extensive international experience as a chef and today is focused on creating menus using the freshest of our local seasonal produce, for Continental events.  He enjoys every opportunity to meet with wedding couples and event managers and to be involved in planning food and beverage for special occasions.

DDI:  (03) 311 8209

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 Wayne Rewi - Baker

The art of creating beautiful breads in both traditional and modern styles is Wayne's true passion.  You will find his loaves of crusty French sticks, sour dough created from wild yeast, rustic breads and delicious bacon and cheese tops - served hot every day in our Continental Bakery in Rangiora.  Also, the ciabatta, bread rolls and baskets of delicious hot breads are found on both the Continental Event Catering set menus and buffets.

Be sure to say hello to Wayne the next time you call in on a weekend to our Bakery on Percival Street Rangiora.  He loves catching up with customers, and explaining how best to enjoy his outstanding range of delicious breads.

Telephone:   (03) 311 8215

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Karen Abraham - Event Catering - Operations Manager

When it comes to actually running the events, it's Karen who keeps the operational wheels spinning smoothly - ensuring the service level expectations of our guests are exceeded.  Her hands-on experience in event management is unprecedented and on-the-day it is Karen who ensures everything from immaculate staff, to the setting of furniture, crisp linens, polished glassware and a perfect run sheet is 100%.   

DDI:  03 311 8207

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Lynleigh Ashcroft - Resource Coordinator

The careful selection of quality service teams, for every one of Continentals catering jobs, takes incredible care and this is Lynleigh's special expertise.   She understands how to appoint the best staff with the skill levels and presentation required, for all service aspects from bar work to wait staff at Continental events - cocktail functions, gala dinners, weddings, conferences, sporting events and private parties. 

Mobile - Text:   021 221 7030

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Event Catering - Sales

Julia Neilson - Event Sales Coordinator

When it comes to finding the perfect venue, or selecting the beverages and ideal menu then Julia is the person you need to talk to.  She understands how to deliver a successful event and will assist in all elements from budgeting to the coordination of your venue, marquee, furniture hire and catering.  Julia leaves nothing to chance and with her years of event management experience, she realises how important every function is to our clients.

DDI:  03 311 8200

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Sandy Bowman - Sales and Planning Executive

Working behind the scenes, it is Sandy to efficiently ensures that all the elements for administering a successfully catered event are in place.  From working with the Event Coordinators in compiling the initial quotation to finalising your guest numbers and timings, Sandy is our go-to-girl for both our clients and the Continental Operations Team.

With Sandy's background in hotel and conference operations, she thoroughly enjoys working with the Continental clients to make sure everything is prepared to impress!

DDI:   (03)  311 8208

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 Martin Tunley - Business Development - Corporate, Conference & Incentive

DDI:  (03)  311 8204

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 Marquee & Event Hire Equipment

Andy Youngman - Manager, Hires Division

By far one of the leading marquee riggers in New Zealand, Andy knows all the elements of managing the Continental Event Hire's division and takes exceptional pride in the calibre of product Continental delivers.

Andy's specialty is working with major events and has an understanding through years of experience, of what it takes to build marquee villages and festival sites on grand scale.  You will however find him hand's on in the Hire's yards and warehouses, just to make sure our operations from the laundry to party equipment hire are meeting his high standards of operations.

DDI:  (03) 311 8199

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 Jenny Sparks - Marquee & Event Hire Sales Executive

While the Hire's team are loading and driving trucks, handling furniture and building marquees, it is Jenny who adds the glamour and runs the Hires office, looking after all the sales and administration needs.  She can help you immediately with advice on marquee styles, sizes and space requirements, accessories and budgets.

DDI:  (03) 311 8197

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Brent Peak - Planning, Logisitics and Maintenance Coordinator

Knowing when and where everything is to be transported, built and returned is what Brent does brilliantly.  He brings together the teams to manage delivery of catering equipment; building and furnishing the marquees ... and then the dismantle, cleaning and storage.

Perhaps it is Brent's wonderful sense of humour that keeps Hires and the Continental warehousing division based in Cone Street Rangiora, running with exceptional efficiency.

DDI:  (03) 311 8194

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 Marquee & Event Equipment Hires Team

Marketing

Annette Pendergast - Marketing Manager

Continental has a diverse range of business units - from catering and venues, to marquee and hire equipment for all styles of events , the Continental Bakery in Rangiora and the Air Force Museum Cafe.  Annette handles the advertising, marketing and communications for all the divisions and welcomes every opportunity to sell the Continental product.

DDI:  03 311 8203

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Finance / HR Team

Bob Heffernan - Finance and Business Systems Manager

Responsible for all aspects of Continental's financial systems and business administration, including Human Resources, Bob's key aim is to ensure we deliver good value to our clients.  Bob also enjoys looking after all the IT issues for Continental, including the management of the custom designed "Strudel" - our event management software.

DDI:  03 311 8206

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Lynette Graham - Senior Accounts Administrator

Lynette is responsible for the company's accounts receivable and many other aspects of the financial day to day business.

DDI:  03 311 8214

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Toni Cannon - Accounts Payable / Payroll Officer

Toni's warm voice and friendly smile have been welcoming people into Continental for several years.  If you're unsure of who to contact, start with Toni and she will guide you in the right direction.

Telephone: 03 311 8220

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Bakehouse Team

The Continental Bakery team create delicious food on a daily basis, not only for our bakery based in Rangiora, but also the bakery requirements for the Event Catering team for the various functions throughout the South Island including bread, savouries, slices, desserts and special occasion treats and cakes.

Continental Bakery - Rangiora

Like the icing on a cake, the lovely retail service team delivers with a welcoming smile every time at our Rangiora based bakery.

138 Percival Street, Rangiora

Telephone:  (03) 311 8215

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The Winery Riverlands

Justine Hunter - Continental Venue Manager

Ensuring every guest receives the very best experience during their visit to The Winery Riverlands is what drives Justine, who oversees "mein host" standards with her great team.

For weddings, conferences and private functions, Justine is the person who looks after all aspects of the event, from utilising the venue - beginning with your site inspection, budgeting, menu and wine list creation, through to ensuring every aspect of our venue runs exceptionally well. 

DDI:   (03) 579 2561   (ext 3)

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Julie Robinson - Chef

Having been part of The Winery Riverlands since it was first known as the Montana Winery, Julie is renowned for presenting excellent menus.  She carefully works with local suppliers to ensure her cuisine features the very best of fresh, seasonal produce - which not only looks beautiful but is healthy and tastes wonderful!

You need to be sure to take note when Julie recommends a wine match with a dish, as there are few chef's who would understand as well as Julie, as to how the varieties of Marlborough wines can be matched perfectly with the local cuisine.

And .. please don't miss the chance to try one of her desserts!

DDI:  (03) 579 2561   (ext 4)

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