Matt Hayward grew up on Auckland's North Shore, where his education in retail started at the family store. The shop was Devonsport's local book, stationery, and lotto retailer. While working there, he discovered a passion for customer interaction and community involvement - ultimately leading to the dream of owning and operating his own business.
"My father did me a favour and kicked me out of the family shop, which led me to have a conversation with John Ashton at New World Devonport," said Hayward.
Ashton guided Hayward through the Training and Development team at Foodstuffs, which led him to work with Brian Frecker at PAK'nSAVE Glen Innes. Hayward was given a proviso to finish his degree while working, so he started out as a Liquor Assistant, filling fridges and displays over a busy Christmas period at Glenn Innes. This was when his eyes were truly opened to the speed of FMCG and when he fell in love with the industry.
From there, Hayward was promoted to a Liquor Buyer role, and for a 20-year-old, he said it was "a lot of fun buying tons of beer." After many roles at the store across various departments, he moved to work under Rob Redwood for a nine-month stretch at Foodstuffs' deploying SAP. He then worked at New World Eastridge under Kym Samuels and Adrian Barkla for what he called his finishing school, before helping good friend Regan Arnott with a brand new store in Te Kauwhata.
"This now 15-year journey did not come without some difficult times – early mornings, late nights, COVID and everything in between, but I look back on that now as one of the best educations a young fella could dream of now that I am in the position I am!"
Between all his education with the cooperative, Hayward was lucky enough to meet his wife, Amy. They welcomed their daughter Georgia into the world a few years ago, and he said he wouldn't have achieved such success without their support.
New World Newmarket, Credit: ©Michael Bradley
Looking back on his journey, Hayward has loved every minute with Foodstuffs and is thankful for all the courses that every owner put him through that shaped the person he is today.
"I love this industry for a number of reasons, but I think what gets me out of bed is the dynamic nature of the business, where no day is the same. The relationships that I have built over the years have been truly awesome, and in the future, I will nurture, challenge and grow the next generation of Foodies grocers, like so many have done for me."
New World Newmarket was a $7.5 million investment from Foodstuffs in the heart of Auckland. Located at 42 Nuffield Street, the store is bright and contemporary. The bigger deli section and extensive meals-to-go range cater to every need of busy city customers'. As a labour of love and proof of all Hayward's hard work, he and Amy are thrilled to see it thriving in the community.
"Loving what you do often takes time, so never give up. This is never going to be an easy job, but the opportunities that will come your way within Foodstuffs will surprise you every time – be open to the challenge, hunt the challenge and learn from your mistakes. Effort and work ethic wins every time in my mind, so simply have a go and give it your best every day!"
