COVID Alert Level 4 lockdown has impacted on all businesses, with rural communities relying heavily on small local grocery stores such as Maniototo Four Square. 

Michelle Grundy, owner operator at Maniototo Four Square, says the business is open and trading as per usual, with the exception of the attached Maniototo Café, which is currently closed. 

“Our top priority continues to be ensuring both our teams and customers are safe when shopping with us, and to keep shelves well stocked. 

“We currently have a limit of 10 customers in store at any given time to enforce social distancing requirements and to keep everyone safe.

“We want to thank our team who have all stepped up to comply with level four restrictions, and customers for being patient and kind to one another in-store.” 

In rural areas, businesses in town are often the meeting place for many who may work fairly isolated. 

Across the nation, essential services such as supermarkets and dairies ask customers to nominate one household member to do the shopping, and to only purchase what you need. 

It is the same for Maniototo Four Square. 

“This ensures that we have enough product on shelf, and gives us time to replenish items when they start to look low,” Michelle says. 

“When in-store please remember your mask and to scan-in using the QR code at the entrance - let’s remember to look out for one another in our community.

“We’re open and trading seven days a week, so pop in for any grocery essentials needs.

“We are receiving regular deliveries and have plenty of product in-store, however to ensure there’s enough product to go around we’ve placed limits on a number of key essential items.

“We’re privileged to trade in such a fantastic community and everyone has taken this lockdown in their stride. 

“Customers have been really receptive to the change in protocols and restrictions, which our staff greatly appreciate.” 

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