Latest news with #PAK'nSAVE
Scoop
18-07-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Western Bay's Grocery Prices Often Higher Than Major Cities
Western Bay households are feeling the pinch at the checkout, with new data revealing food prices in the region often exceed those in bigger cities like Auckland and Wellington. A newly launched dashboard by Community Insights, a division of SociaLink Tūhono Pāpori, is helping shine a light on just how costly it is to fill a basic grocery trolley in Tauranga and the Western Bay of Plenty. The Local Grocery Shop Dashboard tracks monthly supermarket prices for a standard list of 68 essential items — including breakfast staples, fresh produce, meat, dairy, pantry basics and hygiene products. SociaLink formally launched the platform on July 10 at The Kollective with attendees from a wide range of community organisations — including Under the Stars, TECT, Acorn Foundation, Mana Kai Mana Ora, COLAB (Te Puke), Workbridge, Gate Pā Community Centre, Katch Katikati, and Tui Āwhina (Matakana Island). To visualise the scale of a typical grocery shop, the full trolley of 68 items was physically displayed in The Kollective's kitchen — and then donated to a local foodbank. 'Our aim was to create transparency around food prices and how they're impacting whānau,' says Community Insights Manager, Liz Flaherty. 'Tauranga is now a sizable city, but the data shows that we are paying more here for groceries than in other cities.' The dashboard draws on consistent online price checks by a mystery shopper at seven supermarkets across Tauranga and the Western Bay: PAK'nSAVE Cameron Road, Woolworths Cameron Road, New World Gate Pā, Woolworths Te Puke, New World Te Puke, Woolworths Katikati, and PAK'nSAVE Pāpāmoa. All are located in areas with high deprivation scores, aligning with communities most likely to experience food insecurity. The list is based on a basic diet framework developed by the University of Otago, designed for a typical family of four — two adults and two children — with additional items added based on feedback from local food banks and budgeting services. Recently, the tool revealed some stark disparities: In March 2025, groceries in the Western Bay cost 7.9% more than in Tauranga — up from 6.1% just a year earlier. In the same month, PAK'nSAVE Cameron Road came in nearly $40 cheaper than the most expensive supermarket, Woolworths Katikati. Limited availability of low-cost 'home brand' products in satellite towns like Te Puke and Katikati often leaves consumers no choice but to buy more expensive substitutes. 'Even organisations like Tauranga Community Foodbank, Good Neighbour and The Daily, which makes school lunches in Te Puke, are struggling to source affordable food,' says Flaherty. 'When these support systems are stretched, it's a sign of deeper systemic pressure.' Attendees at the dashboard's launch shared sobering real-world stories that reinforced the data. One community worker noted that as budgets tighten, families are increasingly relying on cheaper, less nutritious staples, compromising long-term health. 'People will buy what they can afford — and that often means nutrition gets left behind.' Others spoke of local organisations driving all the way to Auckland to purchase in bulk from warehouses to find more affordable groceries. A concerned attendee asked, 'Why nationally are we paying more? And why are there variations between supermarket franchises when consumers would expect consistency?' One organisation keeping a close eye on the tool is the Te Puke Kai Resilience Group, who confirms long-held concerns about affordability. 'The dashboard is helpful and also highlights a deeper issue — our food system isn't working for so many whānau,' says Chrissi Robinson. A 2024 survey showed 45% of local households with children were running out of food, and Scott Nicholson notes how demand for The Hub's food support has jumped from 60% to over 80%. 'The gap between food prices and local incomes is stretching families thin. We need more community-led food options that offer an alternative to the big supermarket chains.' Beyond the stats, the dashboard is a powerful advocacy tool. It provides quarterly updates and lets users explore trends by item, supermarket, and location. Importantly, it highlights how pricing within the same supermarket chain can vary wildly depending on where you shop. SociaLink envisions the resource as a tool to empower residents and community organisations alike — and eventually, spark broader conversations with retailers and policymakers. 'We can map changes in prices each month and make these available to everyone' says Flaherty. 'Grocery prices are about more than just what's on the receipt — they reflect fairness, access, and the right to good kai for every family.' Community Insights invites the public to explore the FREE dashboard on: For feedback, questions, or more information, get in touch via communityinsights@ or call (07) 987 0920.
Scoop
01-07-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Revealed: How Much Supermarket Prices Have Gone Up Since 2022
Article – RNZ Over the last three years, Checkpoint has been tracking a weekly shop from the same suburb at a Woolworths and PAK'nSAVE supermarket. Louise Ternouth , Checkpoint reporter Checkpoint Whether it is a block of butter or cheese, a kilogram of mince, a dozen eggs or a cooked chook, food prices have gone up rapidly. The latest Stats NZ figures show in the past 12 months food prices have gone up 4.4 percent – the highest increase since December 2023. Over the last three years Checkpoint has been tracking a weekly shop from the same suburb at a Woolworths and PAK'nSAVE supermarket to see just how much things have gone up at the checkout. Some of the results are more eye watering than mouthwatering. For over three years, Checkpoint has been tracking the cost of 36 items likely to be in a household's trolley. In May 2022, our first shop at Woolworths Greenlane cost us $238 dollars and $217 at PAK'nSAVE Royal Oak. Today, those same items at Woolworths have shot up to $305 dollars – an extra $67 dollars at the checkout. PAK'nSAVE our shop, now set us back $270, an extra $53 dollars. Compared to our 2022 shop, seasonal vegetables like carrots and cabbage were cheaper. Other items that had come down slightly or stayed the same were Watties baked beans, plain flour, Mightyfresh wheatmeal toast bread and diced tomatoes. But they were mostly exceptions, most of the items on the shopping list cost more. Some shoppers told Checkpoint they have noticed an increase on some items in particular. 'Olive oil is really expensive and eggs,' said one shopper. 'Dairy items I've noticed but even just general fresh fruit and vege.' Others said meat was on the list. Unsurprisingly, dairy had one of the biggest jumps. At both supermarkets you still could not get a 1kg block of cheese for $10 or less. Though 1kg is now $1 dollar cheaper at Woolworths for $12.49. At PAK'nSAVE a 1kg block stayed much the same at $11.89. Two litres of standard blue top milk were sitting at just under $5 at both supermarkets. In 2022, a 500g block of Woolworths branded butter cost $5.80, now a whopping $8.50. At PAK'nSAVE it was a similar story, in 2022 it was $5.70 for a Pams 500g block, now $8.30. One shopper said their family uses a lot of butter and they were feeling the pinch, 'It's been absolutely ridiculous it's almost $10.' Others said they bought butter in bulk from Costco to save money 'to buy cheaper New Zealand butter in bulk and freeze it rather than buying at the supermarkets.' A 50 box of Twinning's Earl Grey tea more than doubled in price at PAK'nSAVE to $7.89. As for a dozen barn eggs, those more than doubled at PAK'nSAVE to $9.59 and $9.50 at Woolworths. The humble beef mince now not so humble at 1kg used to cost $11.99 at PAK'n SAVE, now $18.99. At Countdown, it was up from $14.90 in 2022 to $23.80 now. For some, it is now a luxury among other items they are going without. 'Probably meat products and dairy,' said one shopper. Others were also leaving those products on the shelves and opting for a butter 'blend' and no brand versions. One man said snacks were off the shopping list. 'Snack bars and extra things you'd put into kids lunches.' One woman said she had left her broccoli and cauliflower out of the shop. Washing and toiletry products also came out far more expensive. Four kilograms of Persil sensitive washing powder was $22 at both supermarkets in 2022, now an extra $13 at Woolworths and $6.50 more at PAK'nSAVE. Huggies size 3 nappies were an extra $10 at PAK'nSAVE and a litre of Palmolive body wash was an extra $5 at Woolworths. For those advising to stock up on staples or frozen to cut costs, rice, noodles, sugar and frozen vegetables – all more expensive.
Scoop
01-07-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Revealed: How Much Supermarket Prices Have Gone Up Since 2022
Whether it is a block of butter or cheese, a kilogram of mince, a dozen eggs or a cooked chook, food prices have gone up rapidly. The latest Stats NZ figures show in the past 12 months food prices have gone up 4.4 percent - the highest increase since December 2023. Over the last three years Checkpoint has been tracking a weekly shop from the same suburb at a Woolworths and PAK'nSAVE supermarket to see just how much things have gone up at the checkout. Some of the results are more eye watering than mouthwatering. For over three years, Checkpoint has been tracking the cost of 36 items likely to be in a household's trolley. In May 2022, our first shop at Woolworths Greenlane cost us $238 dollars and $217 at PAK'nSAVE Royal Oak. Today, those same items at Woolworths have shot up to $305 dollars - an extra $67 dollars at the checkout. PAK'nSAVE our shop, now set us back $270, an extra $53 dollars. Compared to our 2022 shop, seasonal vegetables like carrots and cabbage were cheaper. Other items that had come down slightly or stayed the same were Watties baked beans, plain flour, Mightyfresh wheatmeal toast bread and diced tomatoes. But they were mostly exceptions, most of the items on the shopping list cost more. Some shoppers told Checkpoint they have noticed an increase on some items in particular. "Olive oil is really expensive and eggs," said one shopper. "Dairy items I've noticed but even just general fresh fruit and vege." Others said meat was on the list. Unsurprisingly, dairy had one of the biggest jumps. At both supermarkets you still could not get a 1kg block of cheese for $10 or less. Though 1kg is now $1 dollar cheaper at Woolworths for $12.49. At PAK'nSAVE a 1kg block stayed much the same at $11.89. Two litres of standard blue top milk were sitting at just under $5 at both supermarkets. In 2022, a 500g block of Woolworths branded butter cost $5.80, now a whopping $8.50. At PAK'nSAVE it was a similar story, in 2022 it was $5.70 for a Pams 500g block, now $8.30. One shopper said their family uses a lot of butter and they were feeling the pinch, "It's been absolutely ridiculous it's almost $10." Others said they bought butter in bulk from Costco to save money "to buy cheaper New Zealand butter in bulk and freeze it rather than buying at the supermarkets." A 50 box of Twinning's Earl Grey tea more than doubled in price at PAK'nSAVE to $7.89. As for a dozen barn eggs, those more than doubled at PAK'nSAVE to $9.59 and $9.50 at Woolworths. The humble beef mince now not so humble at 1kg used to cost $11.99 at PAK'n SAVE, now $18.99. At Countdown, it was up from $14.90 in 2022 to $23.80 now. For some, it is now a luxury among other items they are going without. "Probably meat products and dairy," said one shopper. Others were also leaving those products on the shelves and opting for a butter "blend" and no brand versions. One man said snacks were off the shopping list. "Snack bars and extra things you'd put into kids lunches." One woman said she had left her broccoli and cauliflower out of the shop. Washing and toiletry products also came out far more expensive. Four kilograms of Persil sensitive washing powder was $22 at both supermarkets in 2022, now an extra $13 at Woolworths and $6.50 more at PAK'nSAVE. Huggies size 3 nappies were an extra $10 at PAK'nSAVE and a litre of Palmolive body wash was an extra $5 at Woolworths. For those advising to stock up on staples or frozen to cut costs, rice, noodles, sugar and frozen vegetables - all more expensive.
Scoop
26-06-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Green Light For PAK'nSAVE Takapuna
Foodstuffs North Island has been granted resource consent to build a new PAK'nSAVE in Takapuna, paving the way for a major investment that will bring more access to New Zealand's lowest food prices on Auckland's North Shore. The 6,461m² store is expected to create over 200 jobs and will be located on a 9,826m² site with construction expected to be completed in 2029. The new store will offer 197 carparks and serve a growing catchment across Takapuna and the wider North Shore. Foodstuffs North Island's General Manager of Retail & Property, Lindsay Rowles said: 'We're incredibly excited about our plans to bring PAK'nSAVE to the Takapuna community. Large vacant sites in this area are rare, and this is a great opportunity to create a modern, efficient store that helps more people access New Zealand's most trusted supermarket brand and our commitment to low grocery prices.' PAK'nSAVE was ranked second overall in the 2025 Kantar Corporate Reputation Index (RepZ) and has led the Fairness pillar for nine years running, a reflection of its consistent focus on value. The site sits within a floodplain that's indicated as having a 1% chance of being flooded in any given year and includes two overland flow paths. The proposed design has been carefully developed to respond to these challenges, with the retail floor located on level one above an undercroft carpark and includes a civil engineering solution to safely manage stormwater and flood risk. 'This is a thoughtfully designed development that responds to the site's constraints, while making sure we can deliver a safe and welcoming shopping experience,' says Rowles. Once complete, PAK'nSAVE Takapuna will be the latest addition to the Foodstuffs North Island's co-operative of locally owned and operated stores, helping meet demand in one of Auckland's most dynamic and growing communities. Foodstuffs North Island is a 100% New Zealand owned co-operative, with 323 owner operated stores in communities across Te Ika-a-Māui operating under the Four Square, New World, PAK'nSAVE, and Gilmours brands. With 2.7 million customer visits in our stores and online every week and 24,000 Foodies across the North Island, we play a big role in Kiwis' purpose is to make sure New Zealanders get more out of life and we aspire to be one of the most customer driven retailers in the world.
NZ Herald
12-06-2025
- Business
- NZ Herald
The woman behind NZ's first PAK'nSAVE
The co-owner of the first PAK'nSAVE on 40 years of serving communities. When Gaylene Voss opened New Zealand's first PAK'nSAVE in Kaitāia in 1985, the walls were exposed and the most popular products were candles, mutton and beef dripping. Although it was a success from the outset, Voss says she never thought the 'barn store' – as the retail model was referred to at the time – would develop into what is one of the most popular nationwide supermarket chains 40 years later. 'Never ever!' says Voss, who owned and ran the Far North store with her late husband Barrie. 'We thought it would do well in Kaitāia in particular, [but] we never thought it would be like it is now.' As PAK'nSAVE celebrates its 40th birthday on June 12, there are 59 stores across the country. Voss, now in her 80s and living in Havelock North, can't quite believe how far PAK'nSAVE has come. 'I'm actually amazed that from our little humble store, you can now walk into these big, bright stores with lots and lots of items to sell, and with all the specialty departments like the deli and butchery. Because our store certainly wasn't like that.' Gaylene and Barrie, with the help of their daughter Cynthia, had been running a Four Square in Whangārei for seven years when they learned Foodstuffs, the co-op of PAK'nSAVE, New World and Four Square, was looking for someone to operate a new kind of store selling groceries in bulk in Kaitāia. 'We applied, and were lucky enough to be accepted,' she says. They went on to own and operate PAK'nSAVE Kaitāia for 11 years, helping to establish a new way of shopping for New Zealanders. Voss looks back on her time running the first PAK'nSAVE with immense satisfaction and is proud that many of the innovations the store helped popularise – like customers packing their own groceries – are now the standard. She says that shoppers cottoned on to the then-new practice of self-packing extremely quickly. 'Everybody just took that on board. There was a packing bench, and we supplied newspaper to wrap your goods in.' But being popular from the get-go came with its own issues. 'Our biggest problem was the store got too small very quickly,' Voss explains. They undertook three expansions which Gaylene describes as being so vast they took her beyond the realm of her financial comprehension. 'I remember Foodstuffs phoning me because for one of those extensions we had to borrow $3 million. To me, $3 million was like talking about outer space. I only thought in thousands. All I could write down was '3m'.' 'Over time, we added a serve-over deli, nice produce displays, a bakery, a fish bar, alcohol section and bigger checkouts which had the rolling conveyor belts and scanning. To start with, we had checkouts with no conveyor belts, so you had to push your goods along. Things have really changed.' Something that hasn't changed, however, is the central driving ethos. 'The intentions were the same as now: New Zealand's lowest food prices. That has always been the aim. It's not supposed to be flash. It's just supposed to be the lowest prices.' Specials at the time the store opened included 1kg of kūmara for 69c and 20kg of potatoes for $4.99. 'When we put in the deli, the popular item there was the one kilo of sliced luncheon. And of course, customers paid for their goods in cash. I can remember we counted the cash, and two of us took it across the road to the bank in a green Milo sports bag.' Voss' fondest memories come from her relationships and interactions with customers and staff. 'We started with 17 staff in 1985. When we decided it was time to move on in 1996, we had about 120 staff, including part-timers.' She says she enjoyed charting the careers of the schoolchildren who worked part-time in her store. 'Because the people that worked after school were go-getters and made great successes of their lives, which I thought was great for Kaitāia.' Gaylene and Barrie were also heavily involved in local community causes. 'We supported every charity, every fundraising event that was going. It was because our customers supported us. We were supported well [and wanted to give back]. It was a nice area to work in and a wonderful community.' Voss says she's excited to be participating in PAK'nSAVE's 40th birthday celebrations at the Kaitāia store with current owner-operator Doug Cochrane, the store's longest-serving employee, David Palmer, and the community. The store, and the chain, are testament to her and Barrie's hard work. 'I find it very complimentary that this concept grew from what we started 40 years ago.' The milestone will be marked on June 12 with cake and a sausage sizzle for the local community and local groups the store continues to serve and support.
