From France to Four Square: A new chapter in Ruatoria

When Aroha Tahau and her partner Carl left New Zealand for Europe in their early twenties, they never imagined they'd end up back on the East Coast of New Zealand as the owner-operators of Four Square Ruatoria.  

The couple spent nearly 10 years living in the South of France while Carl played professional rugby for Stade Toulousain, Racing Narbonne and Provence Rugby. With Aroha working in radio, they were busy building a life overseas and raising their two young children. Owning a supermarket wasn't something they had ever envisioned.  

But conversations about life after rugby, along with encouragement from the New Zealand Rugby Players Association, led to an interest in the supermarket industry.  In 2021, Eric Rush, former All Black and current owner of New World Regent Street in Whangārei, suggested that Aroha and Carl spend some time working in a supermarket in France to see whether the industry was the right fit.  

"Carl's team was sponsored by French grocery chain Carrefour at the time, and they were really supportive of us getting some experience in-store," says Aroha. "We started working there one day a week around rugby and family life, and ended up doing that for a couple of years." 

That one day a week quickly turned into a dream of something bigger. Aroha and Carl fell in love with the fast-paced, people-focused energy of the industry.  

"We knew absolutely nothing about supermarkets,” says Aroha.  “We were putting stock on shelves and learning as we went, trying our best with the French that we knew, but it was exciting." 

During their New Zealand summer visits home to Mount Maunganui, the couple spent time working at Four Square Papamoa, learning the ropes under-owner operator Nick Gordon. Aroha also worked one day a week at New World Brookfield under owner-operator Brendon Good.  

“We've had amazing mentors," says Aroha. "From when we first started, the support we've had from other Foodstuffs owner-operators has been incredible. People were generous with their time, shared their knowledge and backed us to give it a go.” 

In July of 2024, they made the decision to return to New Zealand permanently and pursue their supermarket dream. After being accepted into Foodstuffs North Island's Four Square ownership development programme in November 2024, Aroha began training as a trainee operator at Four Square Edmond Road in Rotorua in March 2025. With Carl working alongside her, it was the next step towards the couple's dream of supermarket ownership. 

While building her operational skills through the programme, the couple were also spending more time on the East Coast, working shifts at Four Square Ruatoria.  When severe flooding hit the region in early 2026, Aroha and Carl worked alongside Foodstuffs and the Four Square Ruatoria team to help get food and essential supplies into cut-off communities. 

"It was pretty epic to be part of," says Aroha. "It showed us just how important local stores are in communities like this and the role they can play when people need support."   

After becoming an approved Four Square operator, the opportunity to apply to purchase Four Square Ruatoria came up in April 2026, and the couple saw it as a chance to build on the relationships and community connections they had already formed. While Aroha officially became the owner-operator on 29 June, she and Carl have approached the opportunity as a partnership from day one. 

Now, months into ownership, Aroha says one of the most rewarding parts of the move has been the response from local people.  

"We've had some lovely conversations with locals who have told us they're proud to see Māori ownership in the community," she says. "It's been a real privilege to hear, and it motivates us to do the best job we can for the people who have welcomed us in.” 

The family's connection to the Coast extends beyond the store. Aroha and Carl’s children are now attending a local Māori immersion school, and through Carl’s involvement with the local rugby club, the family has quickly become part of the community. 

Aroha is equally grateful for the support they've received from the store team and former owner Adam Beretta, who helped ensure a smooth transition into ownership. 

"The team has been outstanding," she says. "Change can be hard, but they've been incredibly positive and really excited about the future of the store. They've embraced the changes we've started making and have made us feel very welcome.” 

That future includes a significant refresh of the store, with plans for repainting, polished concrete flooring and further upgrades aimed at creating a shopping environment the community can be proud of. 

"We told everyone there were two things we wanted to achieve while we're here," says Aroha. "The first is to create a store the community is proud of. The second is to create a workplace our team is proud to represent. 

"Every decision Carl and I make for the store comes back to those two things." 

For Aroha, it's about more than what happens in the store. Ruatoria is one of New Zealand's more isolated communities, and she hopes Four Square Ruatoria can be a place where people feel connected and supported.  

"I want people to feel uplifted when they come in," she says. "I'd love for the store to be somewhere people can stop, have a chat and feel proud of.” 

"We're only kaitiaki of the store. If the community feels like it's their store, then we'll know we've done the right job."