Te Kauwhata’s New World supermarket has new owner-operators, bringing a win-win all round for the community as the family settles into a new home, new job, a new school; and the volunteer Fire Brigade about to get the added benefit of an experienced firefighter.
Chris and Becky Beard come with impeccable credentials, with nine years under their belts owning and operating Four Square stores at Tokomaru Bay on the East Coast and more recently in Coromandel- and a very strong focus on family and community.
But it’s the first New World for the couple and to say they are excited is an understatement. “Owning our first New World is a significant milestone for Becky and me. Four Square gave us the opportunity to become well-rounded owner-operators and taught us the importance of community, relationships, and great service,” says Chris
“Moving into the larger and more extensive New World is an exciting next step, and we’re looking forward to bringing everything we’ve learned into a larger format while continuing to put customers and our team first.”
The couple came into the grocery sector after returning from overseas, settling first in Ohope. Chris says they were looking for a way to build their future together, and that journey eventually led into Foodstuffs ownership
“Te Kauwhata felt like the right opportunity for us. The store already has a strong reputation, a fantastic team, and a loyal customer base. We’re excited to build on the great work that’s already been done while becoming part of the local community and contributing to its future.”
Chris is a Qualified Firefighter with the Coromandel Volunteer brigade and is keen to continue his voluntary work transferring to the Te Kauwhata brigade.
“One of the things we’ve valued most as owners has been becoming part of the communities we’ve lived in. From Tokomaru Bay to Coromandel, we’ve enjoyed supporting local events, schools, clubs, and community initiatives wherever we could,” says Chris.
“We look forward to continuing that in Te Kauwhata and finding ways to give back and support the organisations and people who make the village such a great place to live. We have three boys, who are now enrolled at the local primary school and community preschool, and we’re excited to settle into the area and be part of the Te Kauwhata community as a family.”
He reflects on what the couple want out of their involvement in Te Kauwhata, and what that will mean for locals. “We absolutely want to continue building on the strong foundation that’s already in place. We want New World Te Kauwhata to be known for outstanding customer service, a great shopping experience, and a positive workplace where our team can grow and thrive.
“Ultimately, we also look forward to continuing to give customers even more quality, choice and value across our fresh departments. We want the store to be a genuine part of the community and somewhere locals are proud to shop and work in.”
His message to locals (new and long term) is that the couple are approachable, committed, and genuinely excited to be here. “We believe the best supermarkets are at the heart of their communities, and we want to get to know our customers, understand what matters to them, and make sure the store reflects the needs of the people who shop here. We’re here for the long term and look forward to becoming part of the Te Kauwhata community, “he says.
And switching off from a move, a new house and school and a whole new world, Chris says he likes to switch off by spending time outdoors. whether fishing or hunting, when he gets the chance. “But most importantly, I enjoy spending quality time with Becky, our three boys, and catching up with family and friends.”
By Claire Simpson
