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One of Warkworth’s most recognisable and friendly faces behind a shop counter has bid the town farewell, with Rose Rose retiring after more than three decades of serving the public.
Rose and husband Barry are heading south to Geraldine, a move motivated by the desire to be closer to family.
Before becoming a well-known presence in local retail, Rose spent 10 years on the road as a courier driver for Don Munro’s company, W.T. Freight. She later swapped the driver’s seat for a counter role at Stubbs Butchery, where she worked for 18 months before taking up a position at Halls in Queen Street.
“Initially, part of my job involved debt collection, which was a bit tricky given that I knew so many people around town,” Rose recalls. “I used to pretend I was calling from Wellsford.”
Over the years, Halls went through several changes – becoming Retravision and then reverting to Halls – before being bought by Noel Leeming 13 years ago. Through all the changes, Rose remained a constant, helpful presence for customers.
Altogether, she has spent more than 33 years working with the public, an experience she says taught her valuable life lessons.
“It’s taught me patience, and never to judge a book by its cover,” she says.
Among the many customers she met over the years, one in particular stands out – racing driver Steve Millen.
“I sold him all sorts of things over the years and when he published his book, he bought me a copy,” she says. “Inside was the inscription: Thank you for helping me to spend all my money!”
Retirement, however, does not mean slowing down. Having competed as a walker in the New York Marathon in 2024, Rose is already planning her next challenges, with preparations underway for both the Paris Marathon and the London Marathon next year.
