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Kshitij Gupta, or Sam as he’s more commonly known, owns and runs the Port Waikato Wharf Store. Helena O’Neill stopped by to try the shop’s new takeaways and meet the man behind the heritage store.
Where were you born, and where did you grow up?
I was born in a small hill station named Shimla, in the state of Himachal Pradesh, India.
When did you come to New Zealand, and how did you come to own the Wharf Store at Port Waikato?
I came to New Zealand in December 2016. It has been such a good time spent with lovely people all around, so much to learn. After I graduated from my level 7 studies in business, operations and production management, I volunteered and started working for Hamilton City Libraries.
I did a few different jobs but struggled to find long-term employment. Luckily, one morning, I got a call for another volunteer job advertising a startup insurance brokerage company run by Amit Talwar and Vijay Khobchandani. I was hired, and my goals were exchanged through work and discussion. After six months, Amit and Vijay bought the property and business, Port Waikato Wharf Store. I was able to get a resident visa sponsored by the store. I started my job as store manager in January 2018.
After my residency, Amit and Vijay, who had also become my family, then offered to sell me the store. Through this selfless support backed up by God’s grace, I realised my dream of owning a heritage business established in the 1860s in New Zealand.
What do you enjoy about owning the store?
Helping and selflessly serving people have always been taught as family values while growing up in India. I enjoy connecting with local people here in Port Waikato who took me in as their own family member and taught me the ways of Aotearoa, which helped me a lot in business relations.
What do you love about Port Waikato?
Port Waikato is a delta, geographically speaking, a heaven on the west coast where the mighty Waikato River meets the sea.
Running a convenience store occupies a lot of your time. What do you enjoy when you are not working?
I spend a lot of time on FaceTime with my parents in India. I enjoy hanging out, laughing with locals, going for walks for the sunsets, having a few cold beers at the end of the day, kayaking in the river when it’s flat, chasing the fish in the river sometimes, cooking and more.
What are some of your favourite places in North Waikato or Franklin?
Firstly, I would go with Sunset Beach in Port Waikato, then Pokeno Market, Nikau Cave & Cafe, and the famous Pokeno ice creams.
How did opening day go for the takeaways? What’s your favourite item on the menu?
We opened on Labour Day, October 27. We were open for two hours and had an excellent response from the local community. We sold 42 burgers in just two hours. The chef was happy with the 10/10 response from consumers — it was a big hit. My favourite is, and always will be, classic Aotearoa fish and chips. Fresh snapper fillet with a bit of the chef’s magical, freshly made tartare sauce.
How did you get Port Waikato MP Andrew Bayly to help open the takeaways?
Andrew Bayly comes in to support the local shop every time he is in Port Waikato. As long as I have been in the shop, I can remember Mr Andrew looking after me in every way. I looked up to him as a genuine helping hand since day one. As soon as Andrew found out about our little venture, he and his team were continuously checking in to see if we needed anything at all. That was all we needed.
We would not have gotten this far without his support; he’s got a nationwide fan base, and he introduced us into the market. He also came in and worked with the chef in the kitchen, serving burgers. We appreciate him a lot.
When does the busy season start for you, and how long does it last?
The busy season kicks in about December 10 and carries on until Easter or April.
