The new owner-operator of New World Northwood, Greg Boock, is a third-generation Foodstuffs South Island owner-operator, a title he has proudly shared with his sisters.
“I’m a third-generation grocer in my family. Ours is a special story. We share that with only a few families who’ve been in the co-op for that long,” said Boock.
Boock’s grandparents Bill and Win Boock, owned New World Gardens in Dunedin, which they opened in 1980. His father, Bruce, brothers, and sisters worked in the store in the 1980s.
“Bill and Win had six children who worked at the Gardens, and Dad was the eldest of the six.”
Boock’s parents, Maria and Bruce Boock set their sights on owning a store and moved to Christchurch to own New World Bishopdale in 1990. Maria and Bruce then took the opportunity to move north yet again to become the owner-operators of New World Blenheim in 2000.
Also carrying on the family tradition, Boock's uncle Stephen, a former New Zealand cricketer, also carved out a successful career in the supermarket business. Meanwhile, Boock’s aunt and uncles succeeded in their chosen careers, including former sports journalist Richard Boock, novelist Paula Boock, and Stephen himself.
“We’ve had an amazing family of aunts and uncles to look up to.”
Boock spent about a year working at New World Blenheim after returning from his overseas experience, after which he became a store manager at PAK’nSAVE Northlands. As the owner-operator of the store, Boock’s uncle Stephen took him under his wing and became a father figure after Boock’s father passed away.
Both of Boock’s sisters have also been Foodstuffs South Island co-owner operators; Andrea Boock and Mark Elkington are currently in post at PAK’nSAVE Blenheim, and Jo and Jack Stafford, who has retired as the owner-operators of New World Mosgiel about 18 months ago.
Boock’s family has significantly influenced his career path and has ensured that he treats his team members like his extended family.
“I make it a priority to be open and honest and empower people. I love to nurture others, take them under my wing, and help them be the best they can be. I apply the same principles as my parents of treating people well because if your team is happy, this shows up in their attitude, service, and work ethic.”
For Boock, working for Foodstuffs South Island is a real privilege.
“Not only is it a great place to work, but it’s also a fantastic culture, with great people and numerous opportunities for those with the right attitude and work ethic.”
Boock also loves to give back and supports a lot of local sports clubs in the community, including rugby, cricket and football.
“We get behind our local schools and scouts clubs and the like, which is all necessary to be able to give back.”
On Thursday, 1 June, New World Northwood will host New Zealand Black Caps captain Tom Latham, Todd Astle (Black Caps) and Amy Satterthwaite (former NZ White Ferns) to help encourage more school kids to play cricket.
It was an initiative between Boock and Kookaburra Cricket, a supplier and manufacturer of premium cricket gear. With the support of Christchurch New Worlds, Canterbury Cricket and the Foodstuffs Community Trust, they helped raise almost $14,000. These funds have provided every New World in Christchurch with 52 sets of cricket gear to donate to local primary schools.
Boock described getting his first store as an owner-operator at New World Woolston as his most significant achievement. Previously in post at New World Ferry Road for three years before moving on to New World Stanmore for four years and now New World Northwood.
“Getting to New World Northwood was a great step. It’s a privilege, and I am humbled to be surrounded by such many people.”
“I’m just loving it here; it’s a beautiful store with great team members, fantastic customers and a great community.”
Going into the family business was never a question for Boock, who stated that his career path was always supermarkets.
“I knew I could do it, and I knew I had the knowledge and support around me to do it.”
Boock has done everything from trolley boy to store owner, and he will always be grateful for his family before him, who helped him get to where he is now.
Greg and his wife, Emma Twiss, have a blended family of five children aged 11 and 18, three working part-time at the store. He likes to think the family business will one day be passed down to his kids.
