A company with vision
The Warring Group comprises some of the city’s most dynamic venues. CEO and founder David Warring shares its vision.
David Warring was born in Christchurch but grew up on the West Coast. Returning at sixteen, he began working out of necessity, starting as a writer in advertising before discovering a passion for hospitality.
While studying at the University of Canterbury, he worked as a glasswasher, later bartending and managing bars. His deep curiosity for people drove him to ask guests about their lives – how couples met, how businesses were built, and what truly mattered to them.
“I’m not a uniquely gifted person,” says David, now 50, “but I’ve always had an empathy and curiosity for people.”
Later, David worked as a champagne ambassador for Louis Vuitton Moët Hennessy, training in France at houses including Veuve Clicquot, Moët & Chandon, Dom Pérignon, and Krug. There, he embraced stewardship: leading for the long term to nurture a legacy for community and team.
Inspired by global venues that prioritised elegance, restraint, and substance over flashy concepts, David saw an opportunity to bring that ethos home.
“Christchurch has worldly people. Professionals who’ve thrived in London, Dubai, New York, Singapore, and people who have travelled the world”, he says. “Alongside the great work of other local operators, we want to offer venues that match the sophistication.”
David views post-earthquake Christchurch as the best-positioned city in New Zealand to grow.
“I want our company to contribute, to make the city a desirable place to live, invest, and grow. We try to provide experiences that make our community proud to be here.”
This vision began with relocating King of Snake in 2021, amid the Covid pandemic – a bold gamble. Moving from a small Victoria Street space to a blue-chip location, David scaled up despite sceptics. “My gut said Christchurch needed it,” he says.
The community proved him right. “We’re so grateful”, he says. “They believe in us, support us daily, and we strive to honour that.”
The Warring Group now comprises King of Snake, Monarch, Roca, and the forthcoming Hugo and Botanic. Leading this is a core team: Jennifer, his wife and partner, an architectural designer whose elegant vision shapes each venue; Lewis, COO, focused on execution and operational accuracy; Leeann, CFO and close friend of over 20 years, managing finances with a deep care for the team; and Stuart, Executive Chef and long-time colleague and friend from their bartender-chef days.
Warring Group’s nearly 100 staff, from New Zealand and around the world, drive the vision. “Every person is essential”, David says. “We invest in them to grow, to compete globally, we want everyone who joins us to leave better, stronger, more skilled.”
This employment brand mirrors the respect given to guests. The Warring Group’s bottom line isn’t business success alone – it’s meaningful impact. “We ask, ‘Are we making Christchurch better?’”
Success is when locals choose their venues for milestones, proud to host global guests in spaces rivalling Paris or Sydney. “We consider our guests as our CEO; we know we are nothing without them. Some days we nail it; others, we’re learning,” he admits. “But we’re driven to improve, to make people’s lives richer in the small way we can.”
In an ever-improving Christchurch, The Warring Group’s venues are cultural assets, signalling a city ready to shine worldwide, lifted by a team and ethos dedicated to community, gratitude, and hope.