By Linda Bennett

They say in tough times, help comes from unexpected places – and that was certainly the case when Christchurch-based White Tie Catering lost their premises in the February 22 earthquake.

The long-established catering company fielded their first calls of concern and support from fellow catering companies – ordinarily, direct competitors.

“It was amazing,” says owner Tina Duncan, “They’d heard our kitchen had suffered some damage, so they were straight on the phone, asking how they could help us.

“This sort of unity is how Christchurch is going to get back on its feet and let the rest of the world know that this is a destination to return to.”

White Tie’s Kilmore Street base had suffered damage in the September 2010 earthquake, but the damaged area was well braced, and useable.

“After September our primary concern was two staff members who had lost their homes, and staff who were already at work when it hit. But in terms of our largest contract, The Koru Lounges in Christchurch and Wellington, and every other aspect of the business, we were pretty unscathed by the September 4 quake,” she says.

February changed all of that. The powerful quake hit in the middle of an enormously busy week for White Tie. Staff were having lunch when the ground shook violently, the neighbouring building and road outside literally fell apart.

Staff got out of the building smartly, and safely, leaving behind a badly damaged operations area, and liquefaction coming up through the chiller floor. But, just a week later, they were straight back into it with two weddings of couples who decided to press ahead with their celebrations.

“We feel incredibly lucky we still have a business, and getting back into it straight away was the best thing that could have happened,” Tina says.

Left with a badly damaged building – initially within the cordon - they quickly made the decision to secure another lease, in Gasson Street. They managed to rescue kitchen and office equipment, but lost crockery, cutlery, uniforms and 20 years worth of wedding decorations.

But while disheartening, their primary concern lay not with plant, but with people. White Tie prides itself on being a family business – with Tina and husband Grant owning the business, and four of their girls working alongside them. But the family ethos goes much further than that, shown by an excellent staff retention record over their many years in business, and the true compassion and care they’ve shown for their staff over the past few months.

General manager, Katie Duncan sent out letters of support to all staff, and knows exactly how each staff member has been impacted by the earthquakes – like which ones have lost their homes, and who is still using a chemical toilet.

“We started this business with great food, and we’ve built it up with great service, so we’re really proud of our staff, they do a great job,” Tina says.

“Soon after the earthquake, I ran into Gerry Brownlee, and he said it’s not a matter of if, but a matter of when, each person has their own little meltdown – so be aware and look after each other. I think that was really good advice. We’ve just tried to be aware of people being vulnerable and emotional, and how everyone has had different experiences, and everyone deals with all this differently in their own way, and their own time.”

After losing the contract for the badly damaged Ilam Homestead used as The University Staff Club, White Tie had to make four permanent staff redundant, which was tough. Fortunately, they have been able to offer them casual work, and hope that at some stage they might be able to return to the homestead.

Following demand from people outside of Christchurch asking for food parcels for friends who needed nurturing, White Tie has established ‘Dinner In’ – heat and eat White Tie style dinners delivered anywhere in Christchurch.

“People have really appreciated that – it’s amazing the comforting role food has played here.”

And amidst all the upheaval of the past year, the team was determined to hold its annual Winter Bistro Series of dinners. This year, they’ve been held in The Events Village Dome in Hagley Park, teaming up with local chef Jonny Schwass, and the crew from The Bicycle Thief Restaurant and Bar.

  “The Bistro dinners attract people who are looking for something fun to do – and we all know we need that more than ever this year in Christchurch.”

They’re excited about the purpose-built kitchen at the new premises, and once it’s fully kitted out, the team is looking forward to getting back into ‘White Tie with the City Mission’. With the help of donations, White Tie coordinate food and staff, and absorb the administration costs to cook for the Christchurch City Mission – with the ability to provide a meal for 16 people from a $20 donation.

The Bistro Series gave Christchurch people the well deserved chance to meet friends for comforting food, and a drink in a unique setting.

And summer is looking as busy as ever as the corporate market gets back on its feet, and a number of weddings, following a flurry of engagements spurred by the earthquake and people re-evaluating priorities.

“We think it’s a really exciting time to be in Christchurch. We’ve set up a gratitude journal in the office, and each day we write what we’re grateful for. It’s great to see so many businesses being really creative, and we’re really looking forward to being part of the new city.”

A Gratitude Tree at the Bistro evenings – where diners posted notes on things they are grateful for – a sign of the positivity the catering company has shown over the last year.