Matakana Four Square will be changing hands, with new owners David and Helen Whyman set to take over in the coming weeks.

David and Helen have owned the Waipapa Four Square, just north of Keri Keri, for the last five years, and now they are making the move to Matakana.

Years ago, when driving through Matakana, they made a stop at the local Four Square, and after having a conversation with the owner at the time, decided that they wanted to own it.

They ended up buying a store near Kerikeri, which they set up from scratch, with all the usual supermarket fare along with takeaway food, and anything and everything you could need from morning to night.

Eventually Four Square Matakana came up for sale, and David and Helen applied along with many others and were chosen to take over the store. 

There will be significant changes made to the store. “We want to bring more heart and soul, and our goal is to bring a flagship small supermarket experience to Matakana”, says David. 

The interior of the store will be completely renovated and will eventually expand into the building next door, which used to house the Black Dog Cafe. 

“We want to provide the community with not just a shop, but a community hub.

“The goal is for people to think ‘this is the best supermarket I've ever been in’, not just a Four Square, but a supermarket.

“We want people to feel like they are being welcomed into our home when they walk through the doors.”

Another change will be a stronger focus on environmentally friendly practices and sustainability.

“Sustainability is just part of what me and my family find important,’’ says David. “We have never used plastic bags in our stores, and we never will.

“All deli packaging will be recyclable; the whole store will have minimal waste and any waste that is produced will be dealt with appropriately.’’ 

David and Helen will be joined by their two daughters Eva and Bella, who you may see lending a helping hand on the weekends.