The Foodstuffs North Island team has provided an update after the severe weather event and flooding that affected Auckland over the weekend.
“As we head into day four of the cleanup of our stores, our teams have changed gear from crisis management to project management and we’re seeing some amazing results. As of 7am this morning, New World Newmarket has re-opened for business. The $7.5 million store opened just four months ago and was inundated with floodwater on Friday night. To have it turned around and open for business in just three days is testament to the hard work and commitment of local owner operator Matt Hayward, and our teams.
“We have two stores currently closed, while we recover them to be safe for our teams and customers:
• New World Fresh Collective, Alberton Road, Mt Albert, Auckland
• PAK’nSAVE Wairau Road, 30-60 Wairau Road, Glenfield, Auckland
“PAK’nSAVE Wairau is the largest of our stores in New Zealand, the flood damage was extensive and the sheer size of this store means getting it ready for re-opening is a huge exercise. Led by owner operator Quintin Proctor, his incredible store team, Foodstuffs Support Centre, contractors and supplier partners are working around the clock to re-open for the local community. We can’t yet provide a re-open date, but our goal is days, not weeks.
“Aucklanders are keeping calm and shopping local. Four Square stores across Tāmaki Makaurau have seen an increase in customers as they’re staying closer to home and thankfully, no evidence of panic buying. We’d like to thank our customers for only buying what they need, so everyone gets their fair share when they shop.
“Our supply chain remains in good shape, and we have plenty of stock in reserve thanks to the dedication and mahi of our distribution centre teams, many of whom live in flood affected areas. We’ve largely caught up on the delays with transportation and whilst we can’t reach Four Square Coromandel due to the closure of State Highway 25, we’re exploring other options to replenish the store.
“It’s still too soon to tell what impact the rain will have on our locally grown produce partners. Our buying teams remain in close contact with our suppliers and growers so we can anticipate any potential issues with supply and work with them on their recovery plans.
“We work with lots of community partners and they’re all working tirelessly to support their local communities. Our emergency funding support for flood impacted communities across Tāmaki Makaurau has seen us donate over $137,000 worth of goods to date. We’ll keep working with our partners to ensure they’ve got all the support they need to deliver their services.”
Read more on Newmarket here: https://www.foodstuffs.co.nz/news-room/2023/New-World-Newmarket-reopens-after-deluge-temporarily-closes-store
