Jamie Brear, the new owner operator of New World Pukekohe, only took over the role a few weeks ago, but he already has plans to expand the store’s offering and support the local community.
“I’ve been really impressed by the store, which is well-loved in the community, thanks to the great work by the previous owner operator Tim Wilson,” Jamie says.
“The team is really established, and the bakery is one of the best in the surrounding area.
“There’s also a number of really wonderful community initiatives in place, whether that’s donating food to local food banks or providing students at Pukekohe North School with gift cards to buy breakfast.
“I’ve got plans to expand our fresh offerings for lunch and dinner too. Pukekohe is a major produce hub right on our doorstep, and I’m working with local suppliers to make sure our customers have access to some of the best produce in the country.”
Jamie says he’s also doing what he can to support local sports teams, community groups and schools.
“I feel like kids these days need our help and I’m a big believer in helping people, whether that’s my team, customers or the Pukekohe community,” he says.
“It’s something I see as the privilege that goes with being part of the community.”
Jamie joined the Foodstuffs North Island co-operative in 2016 as store manager of PAK’nSAVE Mangere. After four years there, he moved to New World Waiuku, where he took on his first ownership role as owner operator of New World Green Bay in 2020.
“Being the owner operator of New World Green Bay was an amazing experience, and I learned a lot there,” Jamie says.
“It was a 52-year-old store when it underwent a major redevelopment. I’ve been through a few refurbishments before, but Green Bay was particularly challenging due to its size. It took more than a year, but we absolutely smashed it, doubling the size of the supermarket.
“I learned so much from that renovation experience, and the community of Green Bay were just so supportive throughout the entire project.”
Prior to moving to Green Bay, Jamie and his wife Jennifer lived in nearby Karaka.
“It’s great that we already know the area and like living in this part of Auckland,” Jamie says.
“Plus, New World Pukekohe is only four years old, so I knew it wasn’t going to need a renovation! It’s great after all those years of renovation to come into a well-established store with such a great reputation.
“We just had our first child in January, and we wanted to come into a community we could be proud to be part of and raise our daughter in.
“Pukekohe is the perfect place to do that.”
