Foodstuffs South Island has recently signed a contract for construction to begin on the latest generation New World in Ravenswood in the Waimakiriri district of Christchurch – demonstrating the co-operative’s ongoing commitment to generating employment and investing in South Island communities.
“Forging ahead with building the new store in Ravenswood marks the start of the next phase of our commitment to South Islanders, which is to do all we can to support the New Zealand COVID-19 strategy and play our part in supporting the country’s economic recovery," said Steve Anderson, CEO Foodstuffs South Island.
“We’re really excited to soon be breaking ground. In the short term it has been a privilege to focus on the safety and wellbeing of our teams and customers. And long term it’s about making sure the community has access to the groceries they need.”
During lockdown, Foodstuffs made a commitment to donate more than $1 million to help those who were facing tough times due to COVID-19. Organisations in the South Island such as the Student Volunteer Army, Canterbury Foodbank, Nelson Kiwi Rescue, Presbyterian Support, South Westland Emergency Relief were allocated contributions to help them continue supporting their local communities.
Serving the communities of Pegasus, Woodend, Ravenswood and Waikuki Beach, the New World, located at Bob Robertson Drive is being constructed by local firm Armitage Williams Construction Ltd and when built, will provide employment for over 80 locals.
“When lockdown finished, there was absolutely no time to waste,” said Anderson. “This New World in Ravenswood is just one of several projects we’ve supercharged. We are committed to playing our part in providing future employment and investing in the South Island economy and supporting our communities to grow and thrive.”
