Head Honcho, Rod Thomson started BASE PIZZA with his family following the 2010 Christchurch earthquakes. Food by Fire was born from the demand for off-the-grid pizza & asado BBQ catering. With a building background Rod not only builds delicious feasts but the epic grills to cook on fire in his custom Bedford trucks.

What started out as a way of enjoying good food with family and friends evolved into a business venture largely due to the many positive comments made about the pizzas. As a family they had spent time gathered around their own woodfired oven at home trying out different flavour combinations until they felt they had got it right. It became a social event with the neighbours often joining in to share freshly baked woodfired pizzas....

“Immediately after the September earthquake we found ourselves cooking in our woodfired oven for all our neighbours due to the power outage and that was when the business idea was born.”

First came the Mobile woodfired oven concept – fast food with a difference that was well received at many events and festivals all over Canterbury.

“Base” credits the SCIRT World buskers festival for launching them into the wider Christchurch community. Following a conversation between Chris and Paul Lonsdale , the then Re:Start manager ,“Base” took up the offer of a spot in the food court at the mall in May of 2010, initially with the mobile unit and then with a custom fitted shipping container – freeing up the mobile unit to continue to attend events and functions Canterbury wide.

Every inch of the 10 foot high cube shipping container was utilised –centrepiece was a large wood burning pizza oven imported from Italy. Bricksrecycled from demolished Christchurch buildings line the walls to give a feeling of permanence and stability. It was a nod to the Christchurch of old and a symbol of hope for the new Christchurch.

All ingredients for the pizzas are fresh and locally sourced therefore enabling Base to support other Canterbury businesses– simply the best NZ has to offer.

When restart mall came to an end the Base family were the pivotal part of their new home Little High Eatery. Base Food by Fire was born off the back of this and now Element Tipis is Rod’s exciting new venture.

@element_tipis

Maty Johns, Executive Chef at Food by Fire, brings a bold flavour profile to his cuisine. With a wealth of international experience and a profound appreciation for local ingredients, Mat thrives on off-the-grid catering, preparing whole cuts over fire & leading teams to create unique dining experiences.

Mat's culinary journey spans continents—from New Zealand to Canada, Australia, and back again. Beginning in Australia's top venues and culminating in his dream role at Momofuku Daisho in Toronto, Mat's career has been marked by diverse experiences and continuous growth.

As the Hospitality Leader for Brew Moon, Maty has amplified the North Canterbury dining scene and has been recognised in Cusine Magazine as ‘a talented chef’ Maty has led Brew Moon to be nominated for ‘Best Regional Restaurant’ in the Canterbury Hospitality Awards for two years running.

Described by Storybites as a leader who embodies strength with humility, “Maty Johns exemplifies quiet confidence and precise communication in his kitchen. His dedication to excellence, love for his team, and mastery over fire are evident in every aspect of his work with Food by Fire.”

His passion for fire-cooked cuisine and his dedication to mentoring aspiring chefs highlight his integral role in growing the Canterbury hospitality community.

Contact Maty - mathew@foodbyfire.nz

@matykiwibro

@basefoodbyfire

Josh Hunter, (Ngāti Tūwharetoa) is the Executive Chef of Food by Fire.

Josh’s extensive knowledge & passion for traditional Maori cuisine, are the guiding force inspiring the whole team he leads at Food by Fire. Bringing delicious, flavour-driven kai, mostly cooked over the incredible mobile infrastructure at Food by Fire, Josh’s extensive experience hails from Christchurch, Melbourne & Milford Sound. Josh's key passion for highlighting local suppliers in his dishes & engaging prominent chefs across Aotereoa, makes him a chef to follow.

As a co-founder of the pop-up series Whakapapa of your Kai, Josh was monumental in launching Feast Matariki, bringing traditional flavours & introducing cultural protocols in an approachable way. Josh has been a spokesperson across New Zealand media from Radio New Zealand to live TV Breakfast Crosses, showcasing this feast.

Get in touch: chef@foodbyfire.nz

@hohuahanita

@whakapapa_of_your_kai