First-time New World owner operators stoked to be part of Kaikoura community

First-time owner operators, James and Kym Bishop have recently taken ownership of the New World in Kaikoura. The couple are settling in nicely after taking the reins less than a month ago and are excited to be a part of the local community. James and Kym have a big focus on community and family. Together, they’ve brought up 10 children and with most of them all grown up now, it was the right time to take the next step as a family. James’ passion for the supermarket industry began overs 20 years ago when he got a job filling shelves at his local supermarket at night. Since then, he’s had more than 20 different roles, most recently a 10-year tenure as Grocery Manager at New World St Martins in Christchurch. Each role has added to his expertise and contributed to his pathway towards supermarket ownership. “I just fell into it really, and it’s become a real passion of mine,” James says. “I love coming to work and working with the team and our customers.” His enthusiasm for supermarkets is shared with other members of the family who’ve also served their local community out of New World St Martins. Kym and five of their kids have all worked at the store, and one is completing a bakery apprenticeship there. “Between work and family life, we’ve definitely had our hands and our cups full,” James says. With the kids growing up and moving out, the couple jumped at the chance to take the next step in their journey with the Foodstuffs South Island co-operative, which is behind the New World, PAK’nSAVE and Four Square brands on the mainland. “We were absolutely stoked because this was the pick of the bunch of stores for us and we’re really happy to have been given this opportunity to be a part of the Kaikoura community. The team here are fantastic and everyone in the community has been so welcoming, we’re absolutely stoked to be here,” James says. The family are well and truly embracing the new lifestyle in Kaikoura. “I’ve run out of fingers to count the amount of swims we’ve had at the beach over the past couple of weeks,” James says. Outgoing store owners Kerry and Sally-Anne Tull are returning to their roots in Canterbury, taking ownership of New World Stanmore in Christchurch. “Kerry and Sally-Anne have been amazing and very generous with their insight and knowledge, and we wish them the very best at New World Stanmore,” James says.

Photo: James and Kym outside New World Kaikoura