Kiwi spirit well and truly alive at New World Kaikoura

Kiwi spirit well and truly alive at New World Kaikoura

• Store open and trading thanks to amazing efforts by staff and support from customers

• Supplies available for the community thanks to concerted effort from the business, Civil Defence, RNZAF and more

November 17, 2016 – New World Kaikoura owners Glen Steele and Melissa Sprott have been blown away by how their team has rallied to get the store up and running in hugely challenging conditions.

“We’re open, there is product on the shelves and the community is relieved that they can get much-needed supplies. None of this would have been possible without the fantastic efforts of our wonderful staff. Their own homes and families have been affected by the quakes and the on-going aftershocks but, like us, they understand how we all want to get back to normal as quickly as possible,” says Glen. “The team are like family to us, and when things calm down we’ll definitely be having a BBQ and a few beers to say thank you.”

The Inland Road from Culverden to Kaikoura is now open to Civil Defence and which will, in the next few days, enable a more regular supply of products for the store which is now the only supermarket option for the community. Glen and Melissa believe that getting the business up and trading again at full capacity will definitely boost spirits – and enable the town to recover more quickly.

The New World Kaikoura store is currently open from 8 am to 5 pm. Operating hours will be re-assessed on Monday 21 November, as Glen and Melissa are keen to let the community know the expected hours for the following week as soon as they can.

Glen says, “The most sought after items post-quake have been tinned food, beverages including water and other non-perishables such as nappies and personal hygiene products.”

“It’s been tough for the locals not being able to shower – these everyday activities are now very much a luxury. Just like the Christchurch quakes keeping clean and comfortable is one of the most important concerns for our customers. Sanitiser and other non-water based products such as wipes are very much in demand,” adds Melissa. “Other than that, it’s business as usual in these unusual times – we are adjusting to our new normal. And we’re really grateful that we’ve been able to get back up and running quickly thanks to everyone pulling together, as is the Kiwi way.”

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