According to Kim MacKenzie, at certain stages in life, it is valuable to reflect on whether one is truly where one wants to be.
For her, it was in her 50s that she realised that corporate life in the city was not how she wanted to spend the final chapter of her working career.
MacKenzie said that establishing a healthy work-life balance as early as possible was essential, as burnout can lead to significant disruptions, including reduced productivity and negative impacts on health and overall well-being.
“It is neither sustainable nor enjoyable. I often remind myself that working smarter, not harder, is the key to long-term success. That is easier said than done sometimes, though,” she said.
That decision led her and her husband to apply for, and ultimately gain approval as Four Square owner-operators. Her husband Dave had been with Foodstuffs South Island for 26 years, so the grocery industry was one they both knew and understood well.
The couple has owned and operated two Four Square stores, the first being Four Square Omarama, which provided an invaluable learning experience.
When Four Square Fairlie became available, they recognised it as a significant opportunity, even though the timing wasn’t great. In October 2025, they proudly took ownership of the Fairlie store. This was a major milestone as it was the location they had desired to secure since they were first approved as Owner/Operators.
MacKenzie added that there is a strong and valued community in Fairlie, and they deserve a Four Square store they can take pride in and enjoy shopping at. It was also fortunate to welcome many visitors through the doors each year.
“Our goal is to create a space where locals feel comfortable and well served, while also delivering an exceptional experience for tourists through genuine Kiwi customer service and a quality product range”, said MacKenzie.
“It will be an exciting year of positive change and development for Four Square Fairlie, and alongside our team, we are totally motivated to bring this store to life.”
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