Business Showcase brought to you by Screen NZ International l 2026
Doof Doof Catering:
A “Big Little Business” Marks 20 Years
Twenty years ago, a van, some plates, a fridge from the garage and a head full of ideas were all Jo and Mark needed to launch Doof Doof Catering. Today, the business operates six custom-built catering trucks, feeding some of New Zealand's largest film and television productions while celebrating two decades as one of the industry's quiet success stories.
The company was born after Jo, a former second assistant director, and Mark, an experienced chef, decided to combine their skills and create a catering business designed for the demands of film sets. When banks refused to back the idea, they built the business themselves, reinvesting with each project to grow their fleet.
That same hands-on philosophy continues today. Every catering truck has been designed and built by Mark, drawing on years of experience working in kitchens across New Zealand and overseas.
The purpose-built fleet allows Doof Doof to take fully functioning kitchens directly to set, whether that's a city studio, native forest or remote farmland. Crews receive freshly prepared meals wherever production takes them, even as modern film shoots become larger and more complex.
“Doof Doof have been the Spartacus caterers for 4 production years, delivering 102,910 meals, and kept our cast and crew and extras all healthy and happy! The Spartacus Army has marched on it's stomach and won every battle. Doof Doof - we love you - thanks for being on our side!”
CHLOE SMITH, Producer - Pacific Renaissance SPARTACUS Ltd.
Modern productions demand a level of coordination that barely existed when Doof Doof first opened its doors. Crew sizes that once peaked at around 150 now regularly top 300, while the company has catered for as many as 1,750 people in a single day across multiple production sites. Meeting that demand has meant evolving, with purpose-built serving trailers and custom systems helping the team deliver meals efficiently as productions grow increasingly expansive and sophisticated.
The sheer volume is easy to overlook. In a three-month period recently, they cooked 10,000+ hash browns and ordered more than 1,000kg of protein every week. While thousands of meals are prepared over a major production, behind every service is a carefully coordinated operation designed to keep pace with demanding schedules.
“I don’t know how you did it. It’s the first time in nearly 20 years of working on set that I have looked forward to lunch every day. Thank you from the bottom of my heart…”
ZOE KAZAN. Writer/Showrunner, East of Eden
As the company celebrates its 20th anniversary this September, Doof Doof has grown from humble beginnings to serving some of New Zealand's biggest screen productions. But despite its growth, the business has never lost sight of what made it successful. People are at the heart of everything – the ones they feed, employ and who supply them. They are proud to contribute to the industry.
"We're a big little business," Jo says.
It's a fitting description. Large enough to cater for hundreds of crew across multiple locations, yet still driven by the hands-on approach, adaptability and relationships that have shaped the company from day one. In an industry where collaboration is everything, Doof Doof's success reflects more than good food - it reflects the strength of the people and partnerships that continue to make New Zealand's film and television industry unique.
For more information visit www.doofdoof.co.nz
All imaged are owned by and used with permission of Doof Doof Catering
CONTACT DOOF DOOF CATERING
Unit 8, 47 The Concourse, Henderson, Auckland
+64 27 293 8302
Jo Warren - Founder / Owner