Local business hero 'not just a regular pharmacist'

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from Northern Outlook

A “delightfully different character” with a great sense of humour and a friendly manner is how customers describe Kaiapoi’s local business hero.

Robert Fenwick, the owner of Fenwicks Pharmacy in Kaiapoi, Canterbury, is the national winner of the 2022 Prospa Local Business Hero award.

The award recognises community heroes who own small businesses throughout New Zealand.

Fenwicks Pharmacy was passed down to Fenwick from his father when he retired in 1985.

He has seen many changes in technology and treatments over his 37 years of running a pharmacy.

Fenwick said the toughest times were during the Canterbury earthquakes and the Covid-19 pandemic.

To ensure customer safety after the earthquakes, the pharmacy operated out of a caravan parked at the front of the premises.

Like for most businesses, the start of the pandemic was a “scary” time for Fenwick, though he acknowledged pharmacies, as essential busineses, had been “lucky economically”.

“I feel for all those workers that are struggling.”

Fenwick was “very surprised” to hear he had been nominated for the local hero award.

“There are plenty of other heroes out there. I’m thankful. I appreciate the community.”

He did not want to take all the credit, saying the pharmacy worked as a team.

Kaiapoi resident Michael Mckay said he had never left Fenwicks Pharmacy without a smile on his face.

“Rob’s a delightfully different character with a great sense of humour. The staff are all wonderful, professional and happy. They always pick you up,” Mckay said.

Fenwick was recognised by his community for his ongoing service and support through some of country’s toughest times. Fenwicks Pharmacy remained open throughout the lockdowns and, despite the challenge that brought, the community appreciated the team’s friendly greetings, conversations and smiles.

Regular customer Nadia Bell said Fenwick went out of his way to help his customers.

“He’ll provide you not only with a good belly laugh but extra valuable knowledge. He’s not a regular pharmacist, he will go out of his way to acknowledge you even when he’s under the pump,” Bell said.

The Prospa Local Business Hero awards is in partnership with Neighbourly. A small business owner is nominated each year for the award and wins a package worth $10,000 including $2500 worth of Neighbourly advertising, $5000 worth of Stuff advertising and $2500 cash.

Head of Neighbourly Sarah Moore, said a pharmacy winning the award demonstrated “the value Kiwis place on their connection with their local pharmacist”.

“They're often the first port of call for minor ailments and hold a position of real trust in our communities”.

Adrienne Begbie, managing director of Prospa NZ, said it is great to celebrate hard-working small business owners for their service and support of the community

“We hope this award displays the appreciation felt by the local residents for [Robert Fenwick’s] dedication to the community with service that goes above and beyond, especially witnessed during lockdowns.

“We would also like to acknowledge all those nominated, and hope many business owners felt the gratitude expressed by those took the time to vote.”