R. R. Scott built the store at Aokautere, with accommodation behind, in exchange for a peppercorn rental from the Aokautere Hall Trustee and the right of renewal every 21 years. The shop ran from late 1900s - 1940s, and also served as the Aokautere Post Office until the introduction of Rural Delivery Service. Mr and Mrs Scott also owned a 120 acre farm opposite the store, milking 30 cows and maintaining horses which were used to bring supplies in from Palmerston North