Variety of work keeps veteran of supermarkets feeling young

Graeme Gower, 70, is Countdown's longest-serving employee and has no plans to retire. Photo / Nick Reed

At 70 years old, Graeme Gower sees no reason to retire.

He's been working for Progressive Enterprises for 55 years and still wakes up in the morning looking forward to work.

Countdown's longest-serving employee puts his stickability and passion for the job down to working for a large organisation which has given him the chance to hold a variety of positions during that time.

"When you are in a big company you have such a diverse opportunity to go to so many different areas and it keeps you interested in the business. You don't have to go looking for opportunities, they are just around for us."

The grandfather of two started working as a shop assistant for what was then general merchandise store Woolworths when he was 15.

He then progressed to managing stores throughout the North Island and top of the South Island before settling in Auckland in 1999.

Mr Gower eventually ended up at Progressive Enterprises' Mangere head office to work as a supply co-ordinator; he oversees equipment required for fit-outs for 85 supermarkets in Auckland, Waikato and the Bay of Plenty.

Mr Gower believes the diverse range of ages - from 16 to 70 - makes the company what it is. Managers are always open to new ideas pitched by staff, he says, and while older workers bring experience, the younger staff have knowledge of the latest technologies and help to keep people his age young.

The company also marks milestones, and Mr Gower and his wife were shouted a trip to Queenstown and a dinner out at posh restaurant Botswana Butchery to celebrate his 55th anniversary.

As well, there was a morning tea at the office; his wife, children and grandchildren were invited.

"I don't think I'm old. I feel young," Mr Gower said. "I have a passion for it. I get up in the morning and want to come to work because I enjoy what I'm doing. I travel with the company, I see the country and I get a great thrill of doing what I'm doing."