Does a school or charity fundraiser selling food need to register?
Not always. You do not need to register under the Food Act 2014 if you sell food to raise money for a charitable, community or cultural purpose, on private land, no more than 20 times a year. If the stall is in a public place in Auckland, you also need a fundraising licence and street trading approval.
Official figures
- Who must register
- Anyone who makes, sells, transports or serves food commercially must register.1
- Who you register with
- You may register with your local council or with MPI. This depends on where you operate and which type of plan you need.1
- Restaurants, cafés and takeaways
- If you make food to be eaten straight away, use a Food Control Plan. If you only reheat ready-made food (for example, bought pies or wedges), use a National Programme.2
- National Programme levels
- There are 3 levels based on food safety risk: Level 1 is lower risk, Level 2 is medium risk and Level 3 is higher risk.2
- First check for a new business
- Usually within six weeks after your registration is approved.5
Official sources
- Apply for food registrationAuckland Council · aucklandcouncil.govt.nz
- Food control plans and national programmesAuckland Council · aucklandcouncil.govt.nz
- Running a home-based businessAuckland Council · aucklandcouncil.govt.nz
- Markets, food stalls and fundraisingAuckland Council · aucklandcouncil.govt.nz
Read the full guide: Registering a food business →
People also ask
- What food licence do I need to open a restaurant in New Zealand?
- What is the difference between a Food Control Plan and a National Programme, and which one do I need?
- Do I need to register to sell food I cook at home, like samosas or cakes?
- Do I register my café or bakery with the council or with MPI?
- How soon after registering will my food business be checked, and what do they check?
- Do I need to register to sell food at a weekend market?
Answers are based on official New Zealand government pages. Check the official source before you act. This is not immigration, legal or tax advice.
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