PAK’nSAVE Wairau Road has been buzzing with excitement after two of its team members claimed first and second place at the Auckland North regional heat of the Foodstuffs North Island Checkout Operator of the Year competition.
Ten regional heats have taken place from Whangārei to Wellington throughout September and October.
Each event has combined high-energy entertainment with serious skills, speed, accuracy, customer service, technical know-how, and professionalism, performed in front of cheering store teams and supporters.
This year’s theme, “ALL IN (for customers every day)”, set the tone for a night of fun, with supporters turning up in full costume to create a party atmosphere.
Securing first and second place at such a prestigious event is a huge boost for the PAK’nSAVE Wairau Road team, who have faced their share of challenges in recent years, including COVID-19 disruptions, a major store flood, and the loss of a much-loved team member.
Store owner Quinton Proctor, who is known for working alongside his team on the shop floor, couldn’t be prouder:
“To say I’m proud is an understatement. I see my team as one big family, and we’re all in this together, every day for our customers,” said Proctor.
“Checkout operators are the face of the store - they make sure customers see a friendly face and get through quickly so they can get home. For me, that’s what customer service is all about.”
Checkout manager Ditas Aguas led the Wairau Road team to success, overseeing competitor selection and running speed and accuracy training sessions in the lead-up to the event.
Amelia Birzin, who placed second, is a 17-year-old high school student who has worked at PAK’nSAVE Wairau since she was 15.
Kharyll Gutierrez, this year’s regional champion, joined PAK’nSAVE Wairau Road three years ago after immigrating from the Philippines. She started on checkouts and has since worked her way up to checkout supervisor, while also helping in the café.
Later this year, regional winners will be mystery shopped by an independent customer service expert. The overall Foodstuffs North Island Checkout Operator of the Year will then be announced at the Foodstuffs North Island Excellence Awards in June 2026.
