Patea businesses change hands

Last week two local businesses in Patea sold up.

The Patea Pharmacy and The Patea Four Square will both change hands by the end of May.

Long-time and well-loved local pharmacist Ian Sargent is selling up - but is only taking a semi-retirement, he said.

"I'll still be working a few days each week. I can't stop completely ... it's not good for you they say."

New pharmacist Benjamin Araba, who also owns the Opunake Pharmacy, said he loved Taranaki.

He's been in New Zealand for 10 years after moving originally from Pretoria in South Africa. He thought the small towns throughout Taranaki were very beautiful.

The owners of the Four Square said they could not comment at this stage except to say "a large Indian family" from the Hawkes Bay would take over the store.