The friendly face and owner of New World Whangaparaoa are saying goodbye after more than three decades in the foodstuffs industry.

Penny Ashton is hanging up her New World attire to start her life as a retired woman and the first thing she wants to do is get her passport stamped!

“I’m planning a safari to Africa and then who knows where I’ll go,” she said. After 34 years in the grocery industry, she definitely deserves the rest.

Penny started her career at Four Square Paeroa in 1989 before launching her New World journey, owning six New Worlds over 30 years.

She owned the Four Square with her then-husband John for six-and-a-half years. 

From Paeroa, they bought New World Morrinsville and 14 months later New World Matamata. 

Four years later, in 2000, they moved back to the Auckland area and opened New World Devonport. 

Penny took a step back from her duties when her son Sam was born in 2001. 

In 2004, Penny bought New World Panmure by herself and three years later she bought New World Botany. 

She became a much-loved and well-known Coastie in December 2015 when she bought New World Whangaparaoa which she owned and operated for seven-and-a-half years.

Penny said she loved the industry so much and got involved with various projects around the community. 

She supported schools, events, charities, and outreaches and was actively involved in the Business House Bowls where 44 businesses took part in a bowling tournament.

Penny realised in August 2022 that it was time to call time for herself.

“I absolutely loved the people, the industry and the community,” she said. 

“I only employed local people and the calibre of staff at the New World is out of this world. I have seen people grow up in front of me and are thriving. It makes me very happy to see this.”

Penny bought a house in Ponsonby and is looking forward to seeing the world.

Donna Goldfinch, operations manager at New World Whangaparaoa said, “the impact and legacy Penny has created within her stores, communities, and the wider Foodstuffs Co-op, will be remembered for always bringing her own flare to everything she does.” 

She said Penny was the New World Whangaparaoa Facebook star with regular live streams about what was happening in-store and connecting with her customers in meaningful ways. 

To Penny, she said, “thank you for your service and contributions to the local community over the years, Penny. You've left your mark, and your legacy will certainly live on through the many people you have helped and encouraged along the way. We wish you all the very best for your future.”