Having played 197 international tests for the New Zealand Men’s Black Sticks hockey team, appearing at the 2012 Olympics and winning a bronze medal at the 2010 Commonwealth Games, Andrew Hayward is Four Square Red Beach's new owner and operator.
Hayward has planned to bring that same spirit of teamwork, collaboration, and leadership to his community.
"Sports prepared me for store ownership in many ways. The constant challenges and the importance of working together – every day is a test. You win and lose some, but you always re-strategise and come back more vital the next day,” said Hayward.
"Being an owner of a Four Square is similar. I'm excited to take all the lessons I’ve learnt at the highest level of sport and put them towards making my store the best it can be for the Red Beach community.”
After a few years of living, working, travelling, and playing hockey overseas, Hayward returned to New Zealand in 2016 to start his retail journey with Foodstuffs North Island.
He had already met several Foodstuffs owners through sports. While working as a butchery business manager at Foodstuffs North Island’s support centre, he realised how much each owner contributed to their local communities.
“I realised I wanted to be an owner because I wanted to be part of something bigger. I wanted to run my own business, be part of the community, and build a strong team where I could develop and support people, just like coaching young athletes.”
He added that every Four Square has looked after the community uniquely, and everyone works together as part of the same team.
"Whether coaching young kids or developing a team, it's all about communication and support to strengthen them."
Situated on the Hibiscus Coast, just north of Auckland, Red Beach is a sunny town home to friendly locals and visiting tourists. Four Square Red Beach is the only supermarket within walking distance of the town.
"Whether you're a local looking for that one extra dinner ingredient or a passing surfer looking for some sunblock, we’ve got a great range of everyday essentials, value items and treats.”
Hayward took over the store in June and said the place felt like home.
"My family is settling in amazingly. My wife, Hannah, and my two girls, Eddie and Tilly, are excited to be here, and it's great to have them be a part of the store.”
They have been checking out the surf beach and the shopping centre, just talking to locals, introducing themselves and asking what they'd like to see from the store.
"The store team are solid, and the locals have been friendly and welcoming. It feels great to be here, and feeling the love immediately is amazing."
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