About

Chef Gordon and Fiapule McKenzie, Co-Owners of BB Catering

Chef Gordon McKenzie, a Southlander raised on a Dipton sheep farm, began his culinary career in 1977 at the Kelvin Hotel in Invercargill. After gaining valuable experience, he decided to venture overseas, working his way up the ranks in large hotels and resorts. Known for his strength in large-scale production and banquets, Gordon also spent a season at Sydney Olympic Park Stadium. Along the way, he met his wife Fiapule while working in Sydney, where she was supervising hotel restaurant and banquet services. Together, they traveled and worked internationally, with stints in Vanuatu, the Maldives, and American Samoa. After experiencing two significant tsunamis, they returned home to New Zealand in 2010.

Upon their return, Gordon and Fiapule bought into BB Catering in partnership with Tara Namana and her partner Tim Mackie. As co-owners, their extensive international experience in large production, banquets, hotel and resort restaurants, and room service gives them the expertise to handle specialized out-catering for all occasions, with weddings being a particular strength. Together, Fia and Gordon make a force to be reckoned with in the catering industry.

Soup was amazing

Thank you so much!!! Your soup was amazing!!  We have had so many positive comments about the great atmosphere of the night, made even better with the most delicious soup!  I personally can’t stop thinking about it hehe, best soup ever …. extremely kind and generous of Chef Gordon, we really appreciate it.

Maori Hill School,  Matariki Celebration

Tara Namana - Event Manager

Born and raised in Dunedin, Tara has been a dedicated part of the hospitality industry since 1991. Starting as a kitchen hand and quickly transitioning to front-of-house roles, she spent 18 years with the same hotel chain, traveling across New Zealand, opening restaurants, and training staff. As Food and Beverage Manager, she oversaw all aspects of operations, always prioritizing customer satisfaction.

In 2008, Tara embraced out-catering with Bede Beaumont Catering, where she discovered a love for creating unique events and weddings. No two events are the same, and she enjoys turning her clients' visions into cherished memories.

When the opportunity arose, Tara and her fiancé Tim partnered with Gordon and Fia McKenzie to purchase BB Catering. Family is central to Tara, and out-catering allows her to balance work and family life while “passing it forward,” helping others achieve success just as she was guided.

Tara excels in the details and is passionate about ensuring every event, from intimate dinners to grand weddings, is a seamless and memorable experience.

Keep within a budget

Tara and her team is excellent. They can deal with anything. Initially we weren’t sure if weddings were their thing but they were amazingly perfect. I cannot fault them on anything. Canapes were excellent, mains were superb and desserts were delicious! Ample amount of food, very reasonable price and quality of food is very very high! Would recommend them to anyone who wants to cater for big events and to keep within the budget!

Samuel & Deborah Wedding, Orokonui