Hunt on for local business heroes
In 2020, all of New Zealand was plunged into one of the strangest moments in our history.
Covid-19 had reached our shores, and to minimise its spread the nation went into lockdown.
Quoc Tran and Thuy Vu own the Four Square at Waikanae Beach on the Kāpiti Coast.
When lockdown hit, they immediately dropped tools to help the vulnerable members of their community.
‘‘If someone needs help, I help them,’’ says Quoc. ‘‘When lockdown happened, we delivered to the elderly for free.’’
Quoc is originally a refugee from Vietnam. When he arrived in New Zealand he didn’t know any English, and worked very hard to buy his business.
In 2020, he was nominated as a Prospa Local Business Hero for his commitment to his community – and took out the main prize.
‘‘Our reward in running the store is the gratitude and relationships we build with our customers. Some of them are even our personal friends. Receiving this award exemplifies how much we are supported by them. This is extremely meaningful for us.
‘‘Business is more than just profit. You have to give to get, and by being selfless and giving to the community, this will make your business prosper.’’
Jazz Singh’s parents own Bossman Dairy in Napier. In 2021 they won the Prospa Local Business Hero Award.
‘‘My dad was so grateful to be nominated,’’ says Jazz. ‘‘He doesn’t do this for money or recognition. He always says that money comes and goes but what you do stays on as your legacy. It’s about respect, for yourself and for others. That’s an important part of our culture.’’
Jazz says their family is committed to support their community no matter what.
‘‘My parents know what it means to struggle. When they see someone doing it tough, it reminds them of what they experienced and it makes them happy they’re now in a position to help.’’
Managing director of Prospa NZ Adrienne Begbie says there’s never been a more important time to shine the spotlight on small businesses and say ‘‘thank you’’ to the hardworking Kiwis who run them.
‘‘The past few years have been a strong reminder of how vital local communities are. That’s why we’re thrilled to partner with Neighbourly and bring back our annual Prospa Local Business Hero Awards in 2022 to acknowledge those small
business heroes making a difference. If you want to recognise a local business that has gone above and beyond in your community, nominate them today.’’
This article was commissioned in response to a commercial partnership. We have produced it independently, to the same standards applied to the rest of our journalism.