Business couple off to enjoy retirement
Few couples can have had as deep or as lasting an impact on Te Puke as Shirley and Des McGregor.
For close to 60 years they have had a presence in the town centre, but next month they will officially bow out gracefully and head into retirement.
The community they have supported and that has supported them is being asked to celebrate their retirement at the end of September with an afternoon tea at the Settlers Lounge in Te Puke Memorial Hall.
Shirley and Des moved to Te Puke from Tauranga in 1960, buying the Four Square and liquor store.
As the business grew, Shirley moved the wine component of the business to the opposite side of the street and became involved in the New Zealand Wine Merchants’ Association.
Des’ claim to fame is setting up the town’s first supermarket.
One of Shirley’s greatest achievements was the creation of the Te Puke Kiwifruit festival, which began in 1976 and she was also heavily involved in the Kiwifruit Queen contest.
As part of Te Puke Mainstreet she was an avid promoter of the town.
Her contribution was recognised in 2014 when she received the Lorna Treloar Memorial Citizen of the Year award.
In 1999 Des and Shirley, in partnership with their daughter Sue and Sue’s husband Ash, bought the Te Puke Hotel.
Anyone wanting to attend the afternoon tea can either call Ron Spratt on 573 9808 or email Di Leach at dandbleach@gmail.com. It will be between 2.30pm and 4.30pm on September 30.