Jagjiwan and Jazz Singh, co-owners of Creagh St Store that has been crowned New Zealand's most appreciated small business. Photo / Warren Buckland
Jagjiwan and Jazz Singh, co-owners of Creagh St Store that has been crowned New Zealand's most appreciated small business. Photo / Warren Buckland
A Napier dairy that handed out food to families in need during lockdown has been crowned New Zealand's most appreciated small business.
Creagh St Store, in Te Awa, gave bread, milk and flour to the elderly and vulnerable during April 2020, free of charge.
As a result, the Napier storewas nominated for the Prospa Local Business Hero Award, with store co-owner Jazz Singh going on to be crowned the National Local Business Hero for 2021.
The Prospa Local Business Hero Awards, in partnership with Neighbourly, aim to recognise outstanding commitment to the community by small business owners across New Zealand.
In a statement, Jazz, who runs the store with his father Jagjiwan Singh, said the accolade would not have been possible without the local community's ongoing support.
"We appreciate each and every one that walks through the door and keeps on coming back," he said.
"We are glad that everyone feels welcome and comfortable when coming to Bossman Dairy."
A Te Awa local receiving free food from Jazz Singh, of Creagh St Dairy, during the 2020 lockdown. Photo / Warren Buckland
More than 100 families benefited from the store's generous gesture during the 2020 lockdown – something Jazz put down to their Sikh heritage and desire to give back.
"This is how we grew up – to share with everyone and to give 10 per cent of your income to those who need it," he said.
Originally from Auckland, the Singh family moved to Napier 12 years ago, before opening the Creagh St Store, otherwise known as the Bossman Dairy, shortly after.
"This is such an honour for Bossman and everything he had worked for since we first step foot in Napier," Jazz said.
"When we first moved here, we were given a lot of help and support from the community."
