Latest Ruralco News

Words by Anita Body 

It’s 25 years since Ruralco first opened its doors in Rakaia – a significant milestone which speaks to the strength of the co-operative’s connection with the local community. 

The Rakaia store first opened in July 2001, as part of a deliberate move to extend Ruralco’s reach across Mid Canterbury and better serve members closer to where they live and work. Established in what was once the Burrowes Jam Factory, the store marked an important step in bringing the co-operative’s model, built on value, trust, and local connection, into the Rakaia district. 

Long serving Store Manager, Maree Smith says it’s relationships that helps make the Rakaia store special. “We’ve got customers who have been coming here since day one, and over time they’ve become more than customers — they’re an important part of our Ruralco community. Our relationships have been built on knowing our people, understanding their farms, and being there when they need us.” 

Maree has been with the store since 2004, taking over from the store’s first manager, Raewyn Maw (formerly Kingan) when she went on maternity leave. Raewyn has since returned to our business working out of the Ashburton store. 

During her tenure, Maree has seen the store move into a purpose-built building in 2008 and has seen the business continue to evolve alongside the changing agricultural needs of the district. From its early days as a farm supplies store, it has grown into a trusted hub for local farmers, contractors, and rural families, offering not just products, but advice, support, and connection.  

It serves a wide area, on both sides of the Rakaia River including Te Pirita and Bankside, through to Leeston and Southbridge to the north, and for the many and varied farming operations to the south. 

Over the past 25 years, the store has been responsive to adapting to the changing needs of agriculture, supporting shifts in farming practices, seasonal demands, and new technologies, while staying grounded in the co-operative’s purpose of lowering farm input costs. 

Ruralco CEO Tony Aitken says the anniversary is a reflection of both the Ruralco team and the community behind it. “Our co-operative has been built on the idea of farmers working together for better outcomes, and the Rakaia store is a great example of that in action with local people supporting local people, and local spend staying local.” 

Today, the Rakaia store continues to play an important role within Ruralco’s wider network, delivering on the co-operative’s commitment to provide value, convenience, and trusted advice to its members.