Four Square Murchison milestone strengthens South Island retail and resilience
16 July 2025
Foodstuffs South Island today reaffirmed its commitment to rural communities with the opening of a contemporary new Four Square in Murchison, adding to the town’s resilience just as parts of the Tasman region start the recovery from weeks of severe weather impacts.
The Hocking family, who have owned and operated Murchison Four Square since July 2014, marked the special occasion with a customary ribbon cutting and a beautiful waiata performed by local schoolchildren. Surrounded by family, friends, community, and fellow Four Square owner-operators from around the South Island, it was a proud and memorable milestone.
Located across the road from where Murchison’s grocery shop has always been, the new Four Square is double the size and brings a modern and spacious design, a wide range of grocery essentials including over 700 new products, a new food-to-go range, fresh produce, and everyday household items — all with the friendly Four Square service Kiwis know and love.
The Hockings said they are thrilled to open the new store’s doors and continue serving the local community.
“We’re so pleased to finally open the doors,” said Janelle.
“It’s been a tough few weeks around the Tasman District. Our new store definitely increases local resilience, and we’re committed to being there for our community when it matters most,” she said.
“Our goal is to provide a welcoming space, with great value and convenience for locals close to home and for visitors passing through.
“We outgrew the old site, and we’re excited to bring this shopping experience to Murchison – it’s been a big project and the town and community have been really supportive,” said Janelle.
“We love our community, our kids love it and it’s a privilege to be part of Murchison’s friendly spirit.”
Foodstuffs South Island Four Square Group Manager Eugene Ruane said the new store reinforces the co-op’s purpose to feed the South Island.
“This store reflects the future of Four Square — modern, sustainable, and always community-focused.
“We’ve built it with our customers in mind: wider aisles, electronic shelf labels to support pricing integrity, energy-efficient refrigeration systems, self-checkout options and there's a generator onsite so the store is fully equipped to continue trading if power goes out.
“There are 58 Four Squares in the South Island and 37 of them serve communities of fewer than 5000 people. With the next supermarket more than an hour away, Murchison Four Square has a vital role in the community,” he said.
Murchison is home to around 600 people and is one of New Zealand’s most remote towns, nestled in the upper South Island.
Open over 13 hours a day, seven days a week, all year round, the store caters to locals and travellers, with all the essentials and kiwi favourites including fresh produce, butchery, takeaway coffee, hot food to go, and even a gas bottle swap.
Locals and travellers are encouraged to stop by, say hello, and explore everything Murchison, and its new Four Square, has to offer.
Fast facts:
• Over $4 million investment in the local community
• 17 roles for locals
• 4000+ products
• 600 sqm store
• 2 team member-operated checkouts
• 3 self-scan checkouts
• 20 car parks