Food Truck FAQ’s
Booking a Food Truck
How much should I charge when booking a Food Truck for my public event?
We recommend charging no more than 10% of gross income for a food truck. This is a fair model that gives reassurance to the food truck and also an incentive to the organiser to ensure it’s a great day for everyone!
What costs are involved when hiring food trucks for a private event?
Depending on the size of your event, location and service style it can vary by quite a bit. Pricing from our traders usually start from $1,000 and the average cost per person is $15-25.
Many traders can offer dinner and dessert packages, or if the budget allows it - I would recommend booking at least 2 vendors and offer a variety to your guests.
Do I need to provide anything?
The vendor(s) that you choose will bring everything that is needed to deliver the food at your event. They bring their food trucks, gazebo, catering equipment, the food of course, packaging, cutlery and napkins. Typically waste management is the responsibility of the hirer and not the vendor, also if there is power already on site, that’s a bonus.
If there is no room for food trucks to park, there are many traders who can operate with a gazebo or pop up kitchen, so just ensure you let the vendor know details about the space he/she will be operating from so they can prepare.
What is the minimum booking fee?
For vendors providing 'main meals' the minimum hire fee is around $1,000 and for desserts this is $500. There is some flexibility on this i.e if one of our pastry vendors is doing a 'drop off' rather than staying at the event.
About Us
How did the Food Truck Collective come about?
When our founders, Maggie and Tim – traders at the time – realised that if they joined forces with other like-minded traders they could make more happen. It began as an idea, then a hobby, then a business.
What does the Collective do?
We operate street food events and festivals all around Auckland, and connect other event organisers reach our amazing Food Truck Community by submitting free public and private event enquiries that are delivered straight into our Food Trucks inbox.
What is our mission?
To create a platform for talented, independent street food businesses to successfully trade and be supported by likeminded people in the industry. We want to improve the quality of food served at Auckland’s events and memorable experiences for everyone.
Do you have plans to expand?
We have key areas around Auckland where we host, including weekly events and the occasional one off events. Check our Event Schedule here
What other cities are you headed to?
None. We are Auckland based – but happy to consult on ventures if management assistance is needed.
Our Events
Can I trade at one of your events?
Once you’ve been accepted into the Collective, you will be given opportunities to trade with us. See how to submit an expression of interest with us here and we will be in contact.
Does the collective take on producers as members?
No – we are street food only. We take this to mean traders whose primary focus is to prepare food, cook and sell food on the street for customers to eat there and then.
Our Collective
How do I start a food truck business in New Zealand?
Food safety and compliance are key points to consider when starting your own food truck business in New Zealand. Food safety is a vital part of any new food business and is governed by food truck regulations in NZ. Ensue you have food control plans in place before you start trading. If you are interested in starting your own new mobile food business, check out Food Truck Foundations website, created by our co-founder Maggie.
What does the Collective look for in a trader?
Being a doer, personality, drive, go-getter, vision, hustle, forthrightness, honesty, originality, team-player – and dedicated to serving the best version of their dish that they can, every day and consistently, over and over again.
What are the benefits of joining the Collective?
The Collective has been created to bring the community of Auckland Street Food traders together. The aim is to grow our businesses and the Food Truck movement by helping and supporting one another through sharing knowledge and experiences.
Some of the key benefits including group buyer discounts, external event leads, business workshops and private community page.
Will the Collective cap its membership?
Yes we will and we are close to capacity, as we want to ensure each and every member feels supported in our community.