About Ortons
Premier Catering & Event Management in Hawke’s Bay
About us
For more than 40 years, Ortons has been known as the best in the business – and for good reason.
We’re a family. Founded by Sam and Mary Orton, and now owned and operated by son James, family is, and always has been, at the heart of everything we do. Our people are our family. Our suppliers are our family. We take care of you, and your event, as if we’d known you for years. Which in a lot of cases, we have.
We give our all. Driven by excellence and inspired by taste, we take great pride in offering nothing but the best. We keep things local, champion seasonality and go the extra mile, always. From intimate dinners to breathtaking weddings, iconic local events to grand corporate soirees, we approach every event with precision and care, ensuring a seamless experience for everyone involved.
We are experts in our field. After decades in the industry, we really know what we’re doing. We’re renowned for making the seemingly impossible, possible – and doing it with style, warmth and total dedication. We’re also known for being great to work with, which to us is just as important.
Ortons. Great food. Great service. No exceptions.
Exceptional food, impeccable service and a flexible can-do style. For outstanding events, it’s got to be Ortons.
Our team
Sam & Mary Orton
DIRECTORS
James Orton
MANAGING DIRECTOR
Adrian Hart
HEAD CHEF
Jasmine Jardine
ORTONS HIRE MANAGER
Ange Rice
ADMINISTRATION & OPERATIONS MANAGER
Bowie Orton
IN-HOUSE FOOD CRITIC
Toby Price
HEAD CHEF
CHURCH ROAD RESTAURANT
Renee Greaves
EVENT PLANNER
Megan Costello
EVENT PLANNER
Our history
In 1981, as the country was busy embracing big hair, Crowded House and platters of devilled eggs, Sam Orton was looking for his next adventure. After a good chat with a great friend, he landed on an idea. Catering, in the form of delicious lunches, for the hard-working offices of Wellington. An idea that would guide his life – and the life of his family – for the next 40 years.
In the years and decades since, we’ve moved through many stages and spaces. The marriage of Sam and Mary, signalling the start of a remarkable partnership in life, food and family. A butcher’s shop in Hastings and a thriving delicatessen in the village. In-house gigs at the Hastings Club and the newly refurbished racecourse. Creative catering headquarters in bakeries, factory sites and shops. Iconic partnerships with Black Barn and Sileni, The Mission and McLean Park. Setting up camp at The Old Church, then bringing Church Road into the fold. Sam and Mary stepping down, making space for son James to stand tall as the Orton in charge.
Through all the big moves and big changes, some things have remained the same. Ortons is an institution, a local legend and the delicious backbone to thousands of Hawke’s Bay events. The pride of a family and the taste of adventure. Hard work and sacrifice, vision and style. Beautiful food, exceptional service and one hell of a well-organised party.
And, we’re only getting started.
KIND WORDS
Ortons were absolutely amazing. Everything ran so, so smoothly. The food was fabulous and was the thing our guests have raved about since!
They were so easy to deal with and we would 100% recommend Ortons to any bride and groom wherever the venue may be, as they made our day completely stress free!
- RENEE & BEN