Teri Rangi from PAK’nSAVE Whakatāne has been named the Tauranga Regional Checkout Operator of the Year.
The Foodstuffs North Island competition celebrates checkout operators from across PAK’nSAVE, New World, Four Square, and Gilmours stores.
The competition is in its 77th year and recognises speed, accuracy, and exceptional customer service, with Rangi standing out from among 95 talented checkers from across the Tauranga region.
She has been in her checkout role for six months and recently returned to PAK’nSAVE Whakatāne, more than ten years after she started, saying she wanted to come back to where it all began.
“I was surprised, but mostly excited by the win. I’m hoping it will help boost morale and inspire more young people to get involved,” she said.
"A great checkout operator is someone who can read the room and adjust to meet all our customers’ different needs”.
Robert Jones, store manager at PAK’nSAVE Whakatāne, mentioned that Rangi stood out because of her high personal standards. She’s fast, accurate, and professional, consistently delivering excellent service with a smile and a calm, positive energy that lifts the whole team.
Later this year, 10 regional winners, including Rangi, will be mystery shopped by an independent customer service expert who will assess them for customer engagement, checkout efficiency and their all-around customer service.
The overall Checkout Operator of the Year will be announced at the Foodstuffs North Island Excellence Awards in June 2026.
