A week into the job, Matthew Dobson, a second-generation grocer and the new operator of New World Cromwell, feels lucky to call one of the most picturesque parts of the country his new home.
Dobson, 31, is the eldest of three and comes from a family of grocers and, like many second and third-generation grocers, supermarkets are a part of the Dobson family's DNA. His parents, Bryan and Anne Dobson, have owned PAK'nSAVE Invercargill for 31 years; his sister Tanya is the store manager there, and his brother Jason owns New World Balclutha.
Dobson has moved to Cromwell, the heart of Central Otago, with partner Sophia, and they're excited to have been instantly welcomed into the small, friendly community.
He has fond memories of spending time in Alexandra, where his father was born and where he and his grandmother would attend the annual Alexandra Blossom Festival.
"We're fortunate to call this beautiful part of the country our home. Everyone has been very warm and welcoming," Dobson said.
"We're excited about getting to know and serve our local community, we're excited about the future, and we see ourselves here for many years to come."
Dobson's first foray into supermarkets was as a checkout operator at PAK'nSAVE in Invercargill, and he has been working towards operating his own supermarket ever since.
"I've always known this is the direction I wanted to take."
Dobson has grown up around supermarkets since he was six months old, and with my whole family in it, it's a regular topic of conversation at family gatherings.
He studied marketing and management at Otago University before returning to work towards his goal. Over the last decade, he's experienced first-hand what it takes to be in a job that's 24/7 and worked his way up at PAK'nSAVE Invercargill and then New World Centre City in Dunedin, from Grocery Manager to Store Manager.
Dobson said he's grateful for the support and guidance he's received from his family and Foodstuffs South Island and its member stores to make his long-held dream a reality.
"It's involved a lot of long hours and hard graft, but it's all been worth it."
This is his first store, which has always been his big dream. He feels fortunate and added that being in this new position was a privilege.
For Dobson, the best part about the job is the people he works with and his customers.
"I love working with people, getting in and rolling my sleeves up, and looking after our team members and customers."
When he's not at work, Dobson will be out training and exploring all that Central Otago offers. As a multisport and triathlon enthusiast, he's keen to make the most of the lakes and trails in his backyard as part of a gruelling training regimen for the Coast to Coast multisport event in February 2024, which sees athletes run, kayak and cycle their way from Kumara Beach on the West Coast to New Brighton Beach in Christchurch.
Dobson and Sophia look forward to getting involved in their community and supporting local clubs and events soon.
