21/02/2026
Its been a while since I have posted, and I felt it was a good time to reintroduce myself while we patiently work through the ongoing process with the Waikato District Council team.
My name is Prashant Patel. I grew up here in Te Kauwhata. I went to Te Kauwhata Primary School and Te Kauwhata College before heading off to Auckland for university studies. No matter where life has taken me, this town has always been home.
My family and I, have operated the old Four Square in town for nearly 30 years. Many of you would remember it. It was more than just a grocery store to us, it was part of our everyday life and part of the community main hub for a catchup.
In 2021, we decided to close that chapter. We built a new supermarket under the New World banner. While we remain the landlords of the building, the store has been owned and independently operated by Regan Arnott since 2022.
The project at 16 Wayside Road is my own personal project. My family members have moved on to their own paths in life, and this is something I am working on independently. I know there have been conversations and opinions shared, and that is completely understandable as, change can feel big in a small town.
My intention has never been to take away from our main town centre. In fact, its the opposite. I truly want to see our town centre continue to thrive, with more small businesses opening and more life in the middle of town. That will always matter to me.
The idea behind 16 Wayside Road is simple in my mind. It’s about creating a place that fuels cars and fuels people who are on the go, without changing the character of who we are.
I would really love to create a regular local farmers market there, something relaxed and welcoming. Fresh fruit and vegetables, discounted produce to help families, homemade chutneys and jams, good coffee from local baristas, and freshly made food from different cultures. A space where local growers and small businesses can have a stall and connect with the local community.
There will also be a small local museum to showcase the history of Te Kauwhata and the surrounding area. I think it’s important that as we grow, we also remember where we came from.
I also see this site as an important entry gateway to our town, somewhere that introduces visitors to Te Kauwhata in a positive way. It will be well maintained, tidy all year round, and have 24 hour security to ensure it remains safe and respectful of the surrounding area.
This project will also mean jobs for locals, from site maintenance to hospitality and food outlets. Keeping employment within our community is important to me.
I do not see this as a corporate development. I see it as someone who grew up here trying to build something practical, useful, and community minded, while respecting our town centre and the people who call this place home.
Thanks for taking the time to read.
