| 107 EVENTS Bridgewater Estate T T Sue Russell Winter business a focus Bridgewater is a stunning location to celebrate weddings and other events. “Being surrounded by happy people enjoying what Bridgewater has to offer is a major driver for us.” Tracey and Justin Button are the owner/operators of Bridgewater Country Estate, situated in idyllic surroundings, extending over 16 acres of rolling lawns, native bush, stands of mature trees, all set off with beautifully landscaped gardens. Located near Kaukapakapa, north-west of Auckland, Bridgewater offers those seeking a memorably stunning location to celebrate their wedding, corporate event, private, or group function, an environment second to none. Guests choose from a wide array of spaces to enjoy their day with pathways leading from one special place to another, including native forest, garden and wet weather wedding ceremony areas, alfresco reception/dining, lily pond, tennis court, pool, bridal suite and chalet accommodation. Prior to Bridgewater, Tracey spent 20 years in corporate HR and says when the opportunity to buy Bridgewater presented she could see how many skills honed during those years would work perfectly in event planning. Justin has a passion for operations and, Tracey says, just loves running events. He also takes care of the grounds and maintenance. Both Tracey and Justin are ambitious in nature, setting goals to improve their service and offerings year on year. Focussing on building business through winter is a priority, with the wedding season, September through April, well booked. As a proud family owned and operated business, Tracey, Justin and their twin girls have made many quality upgrades to the property in the six years they have owned Bridgewater. The latest being a major upgrade to the reception/dining area. Alongside this, the addition of a large enclosed room for corporate events and wet weather wedding ceremonies, to keep ahead of current NZ weather trends. “We wanted to set a better first impression. There was a need to add an area that would deliver in all weather conditions and work for a variety of client requirements. Growing corporate engagement being one focus area for development.” The wedding industry has bounced back after restrictions prevented large gatherings during the COVID pandemic, and Tracey says they are fortunate to have so many awesome couples able to wait for their big day. “The couples that are drawn to Bridgewater as a wedding venue tend to be relaxed in nature, wanting to keep their special day fun, non-stressful with the focus on building happy memories. The process we have supports them to achieve this by removing as many of the stressful elements of wedding preparations as possible.” “Being surrounded by happy people enjoying what Bridgewater has to offer is a major driver for us,” says Tracey. Bridgewater Estate offers a constantly updating decoration cupboard for couples to choose from. Tracey says this is very popular, saving couples the cost of buying their own, while Bridgewater staff do all the set up and take down, allowing for a great guest experience without all the hassle. Catering is supplied by Rene Plank from Maarte Catering who has been with Bridgewater since the couple purchased the business. “Rene has been essential to the success of Bridgewater. It’s not a huge catering business, which allows him to focus strongly on what he delivers for our clients. He is a perfectionist and at every event we receive many glowing comments about his food. His attitude is always ‘anything is possible’.” Staff are mostly long-term employees from local families, and also include Tracey and Justin’s two 14 year old daughters. Tbusiness is a real family affair and that’s important to them.” “With many more ideas in the pipeline, our intention is one day to offer the business to our girls, and helping them get a good business start is evolving as we speak”. The addition of a ‘Glamping cabin’ located onsite in Bridgewater’s native bush being the next major project, with the girls to manage this from the outset. “Watch this space!” When your catering background includes working on cruise ships, producing food for literally thousands of diners, delivering exceptionally prepared and presented menus, you develop a wide range of transferrable skills to bring to the table. Such is the case with Rene Plank, who has taken those years of working in hospitality all over the world, and applied them to his business, Maarte Catering. Originally from Austria, when Rene arrived in New Zealand he worked in a production kitchen creating food for a variety of venues, so he understands all that goes into creating superb offerings for all occasions in a way that also delivers positive financial results for venue owners. “I’m in the business of creating a successful catering experience, helping venues to make the most of their offering to Managing Director Rene Plank Delivering the perfect food experience customers. Working with proven systems that minimise waste and use infrastructure I’m about delivering great outcomes and the best return for my clients,” Rene explains. By delivering better service and having identified and resolved a venue’s current challenges Rene says its a win-win for everyone concerned. He’s there to help staff improve how they create and deliver food. “I can create a catering plan for every setting and situation with a practical, simplified, no-fuss approach that works. Returns for venue owners are considerably improved meaning they can invest back into their kitchen to bring even greater future benefit.” An example of where Rene has been able to bring his wisdom and understanding of how food is best created is with his work for Bridgewater Estate near Kaukapakapa, north-west Auckland. Rene has been working with Bridgewater Estate for 9 years now, where his flair and understanding of what goes into making great food perfectly suited to any occasion, has contributed to the enviable reputation the venue now enjoys. “I really enjoy the challenge of making a kitchen work to the highest possible standards. It’s the problem-solving, working with people to improve how they work, that brings me great satisfaction.” Adding value is hugely important to Rene who likes nothing more than to support venue owners to realise the very best returns. “Kitchens and all that goes into them are a significant cost so they need to operate in a way that brings results with happy customers, who will remember the quality of food and service they received.” Enjoying nothing more than the challenge of creating a smooth-running, efficient, successful kitchen where owners can be certain their guests will come away with great memories is what keeps Rene at the leading-edge of the catering sector. “I know what works and why and I welcome any venue owner wanting to get more from their investment to contact me, no matter how large or small the event I will create the perfect food experience.” CATERING FOR ANY EVENT • Anniversaries • Baby Showers • Weddings • Corporate Events • Meetings • Team Building www.maartecatering.nz info@maartecatering.nz 021 046 9391
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