Flaxmere New World to close, suburb of more than 10,000 loses only supermarket

Foodstuffs is abandoning the low-income Hawke’s Bay suburb of Flaxmere, leaving a community of more than 10,000 people without a supermarket after earlier vowing to build a new one.

New World Flaxmere said on Thursday night it would be closing in just over a month.

The lease for its ageing building in the heart of the suburb was up for renewal in March and Foodstuffs North Island had decided not to take it up because the building needed significant refurbishment.

The store will close on February 25.

Residents outside the supermarket today told Hawke’s Bay Today they were fuming at a decision that would leave the elderly and those without a driver’s licence particularly vulnerable.

A petition calling on Foodstuffs to change its mind already had more than 1000 signatures by midday.

Foodstuffs had initially vowed to rebuild in Flaxmere.

In 2022, Foodstuffs North Island received resource consent for a New World to be built on vacant behind the existing supermarket.

Flaxmere New World will close on February 25. Photo / Paul Taylor

The 1900sq m supermarket was going to cost $21 million and would have access off Swansea Rd. But Foodstuffs pulled out last year, citing a changing economic environment.

Hastings Mayor Sandra Hazlehurst said she received the “disappointing” news from Foodstuffs yesterday.

“With a population of 11,000-plus and many hundreds of homes being built, the area undoubtedly needs a supermarket,” she said.

“Our team continues to actively work on attracting another supermarket operator to Flaxmere.”

New World Flaxmere said it would work to support its team and help them into other roles with Pak’nSave, Four Square, and other New World stores.

Work on a massive $26m New World in nearby Havelock North continues.

Foodstuffs spokeswoman Emma Wooster said even with considerable investment in a refurbishment by the landlord, the Flaxmere building wouldn’t be brought up to the standard it wanted for its team and customers.

“Closing a store isn’t something we’d ever do lightly. Foodstuffs North Island ... have a long and strong commitment to Hawke’s Bay communities and we want to give our strong reassurance that this hasn’t changed at all.”

Councillor’s reaction to supermarket closure: ‘Devastating’

Flaxmere councillor Henry Heke said Foodstuffs’ decision was “devastating for our community”.

“There are many whanau and elderly that will be impacted badly by this decision as for many they will now have to rely on public transport to get to supermarkets in Hastings.

“There could be a silver lining though as Flaxmere has a fast-growing population and council has developed land immediately behind the existing shopping centre that can cater for a new modern supermarket as well as other commercial premises.

“I will be working hard to ensure that this gets fast-tracked with any potential developer and supermarket chains. We must see this as a minor setback and a huge opportunity.”

Takitimu Māori Ward councillor Kellie Jessup said the supermarket was the “life force” of the suburb.

“It’s not just somewhere where you pick up kai, but it’s also the personal touch of our kaimahi in here because they know everybody here.”

Jessup said it hadn’t just been a business but a focal point. During Covid lockdown it became a beacon for the community.

Heke and Jessup said they would hold a public meeting tomorrow at 8.30am at the Kai Pai Cafe container in Flaxmere Park to talk about what could be done.

Age Concern describes closure as a ‘catastrophe’

Age Concern Flaxmere chairperson Lesley Hurrey said it was a “gutting loss” that would be felt throughout the suburb.

“There is a lot of elderly that come through us ... and that is their main supermarket.”

She said it was “catastrophic” because public transport couldn’t be relied upon to get those who couldn’t drive into Hastings and back.

“Even if they go in on the bus, they get all their groceries [and] they have to carry heavy bags of stuff home again.”

She said Flaxmere village was previously ideal for retirees, as they had access to a library and chemist as well.

A petition started by Tamati Birch, a business student, solo parent and Flaxmere resident shares many of the same sentiments.

Birch said felt he wanted to do something in response to the announcement and said that losing the essential access to a necessity was detrimental to the community.

“The goal of the petition is to raise awareness about the difficulties faced by vulnerable groups and to urge authorities to consider their unique circumstances in policy decisions.

“Currently, existing policies may inadvertently overlook the challenges experienced by Flaxmere kaumatua, families with disabilities, solo parents and struggling families.”

What Flaxmere shoppers have to say: ‘Where are we going to go?’

Suzanne North is upset over the closure. Photo / Paul Taylor

Suzanne North, 60, said she couldn’t believe it when she heard the decision, and questioned what the future of Flaxmere would look like.

“It’s bad - we need it for our elderly, our young people, where are we going to go?”

Flaxmere resident Tracey Hibbs said she used New World due to convenience. Photo / Paul Taylor

Tracey Hibbs, 37, is sad to lose the New World as the location is convenient for her to buy groceries.

“It’s easier for us to get all our stuff, it’s local, it’s cheap, instead of having to go into town and spend more money.”

Debbie Ward said the closure was the topic of conversation inside the store. Photo / Paul Taylor

Supermarket merchandiser Debbie Ward, 53, said while she was working in the store on Friday she could hear customers discussing the closure.

“Everyone is a bit upset, and wondering what they are going to do for transport and convenience because this is the heart of Flaxmere.”

Flaxmere resident Ron Netane said it would be difficult to take groceries on the bus. Photo / Paul Taylor

Retiree and long-term resident Ron Netane, 80, said he will struggle to go to town and get his groceries as he hasn’t got a driver’s licence.

Pete Wainohu felt the decision was stupid. Photo / Paul Taylor

Pete Wainohu, 59, described Foodstuffs’ decision as “stupid” and said a trip to town would mean more traffic on the road.

“Old people are going to have nothing, bugger all.”

Flaxmere resident Steven Smart said he found out the news last night after being out of town. Photo / Paul Taylor

Steven Smart, 60, has recently had a hip operation and is unable to drive so worries about the upcoming closure.

“I’ve been here 30 years and so it is a big part of my life.”

Courtney Ellingham fears for the future of Flaxmere and is worried it will be forgotten. Photo / Paul Taylor

Courtney Ellingham, 23, has fears over what this will mean for her grandparents and feels like Flaxmere is one step closer to being forgotten, even as Havelock North gets a new New World.

“This is the Flaxmere New World, it is a local for everybody in the community here.”

“It’s really disappointing that they are just going to take that away from so many people that rely on that.”

Ronald Swan will have to rely on his wife to drive him to Hastings for the supermarket. Photo / Paul Taylor

Retiree Ronald Swan has been shopping at the supermarket for many years and is “devastated” by the news.

“I will have to go right into town to do my shopping, it’s very difficult because I don’t have a driver’s licence.”

He has to rely on his wife to drive him around and said the buses in Flaxmere are no good.

Michaela Gower joined Hawke’s Bay Today in 2023 and is based out of the Hastings newsroom. She covers Dannevirke and Hawke’s Bay news and has a love for sharing stories about farming and rural communities.