On The Up: Oldest Pak’nSave worker, 88, plans to keep working in Napier

While some dream of the retired life when they reach 88 years old, one Hawke’s Bay octogenarian still gets a kick out of walking into work.

Four days a week Max Richards, 88, pulls on his uniform and heads on to the Napier Pak’nSave shop floor.

Richards’ age makes him the oldest employee across Pak’nSave and New World stores nationwide.

In his role he chats with customers while finding what they’re looking for and keeping the shelves in order.

Richards started working at the store as a security guard 18 years ago, when he was 70.

“I was good at reading people,” he said.

“You get a sense when something’s not quite right. Mostly though, it was about being respectful and helpful.”

Richards quickly became a familiar presence at the front of the store with his calm, observant and polite manner.

When new technology like facial recognition systems were introduced to the store, Richards decided it was time for a change, but retirement still wasn’t on the cards.

“So I moved into grocery and I love it,” he said.

“I get to help customers and stay active. I plan to keep working for as long as I can.”

Pak’nSave Napier owner-operator Sonya Hasselman (left) and Max Richards.

Pak’nSave Napier owner-operator Sonya Hasselman said Richards’ impact goes well beyond his work.

“He’s genuinely one of a kind,” she said.

“Our team is better because Max is part of it.”

Before joining Pak’nSave, Richards worked in sales, marketing, business ownership, bricklaying and as a race car driver – racing classic sports cars like his Triumph TR2 and Austin-Healey 100-S.

He credited staying mentally and physically active as the key to his longevity.

“When you’re working, you’re thinking, you’re moving. It keeps your mind ticking,” Richards said.

“I walk every day, I talk to people and I feel useful. That matters.”

Richards turns 89 in June but won’t take the day off, joking he prefers to be working.

“Everyone else is busy – why would I sit at home?”

Outside of work, he enjoys walking, spending time with family and heading to the pub on a Friday afternoon for a beer.

Retirement holds little appeal, he said.

“As long as I can do the job properly, I’ll keep turning up.”