New World Te Kūiti reopens after huge team effort
New World Te Kūiti has reopened its doors following a huge effort to clean, inspect, restock and prepare the store after a fire on Saturday 19 September.
The store was blessed before the doors opened, with the team marking the reopening together before welcoming customers back. By late morning, the community BBQ was in full swing as customers, neighbours and supporters gathered outside the store.
Owner-operator David Jones said reopening had taken a tremendous effort from the store team, specialist contractors, suppliers and teams from across the Foodstuffs North Island co-op.
“It’s been a huge effort to get to this point. Our team has rolled up its sleeves, looked after one another and done whatever was needed to help get the store back on its feet. Throughout it all, we’ve been very conscious of our customers and the wider Te Kūiti community. We know having the store closed has been inconvenient, and we’re incredibly grateful for the patience, kindness and support people have shown us.”
“We’re very grateful to everyone who has worked alongside us, often putting in long hours, so we could reopen safely and get back to serving Te Kūiti.”
Jones also thanked the Te Kūiti Volunteer Fire Brigade and the other emergency services that responded to the fire.
“Their quick response helped contain the fire and protect much more of the store. We’re extremely grateful for what they did that morning and for everything they do for our community.”
To recognise their contribution, New World Te Kūiti has made a donation of $2,500 to the Te Kūiti Volunteer Fire Brigade and some generous customers also contributed at the community BBQ.
Jones is a member of the Foodstuffs North Island co-operative, which is made up of locally owned and operated stores. He said the support received showed the practical value of being part of the co-op.
“One of the strengths of being part of a co-operative is knowing people will step in when you need them. That support has helped us get back to doing what matters most, looking after our customers and serving our community.”
“Our store team has been supported by people from across Foodstuffs North Island, as well as contractors and suppliers. Everyone has worked closely together to help us reopen safely and in such a short time.”
The store team also thanked customers, local businesses and the wider Te Kūiti community for the messages, offers of help and support received since the fire.
“The kindness shown to our team has meant a lot to us. We know the closure has been inconvenient, and we’re grateful for the patience and understanding people have shown.
“It’s good to have the doors open again, see familiar faces back in the store and get back to serving our community.”