Foodstuffs North Island has opened its new New World Havelock North supermarket, providing a modern and ‘greener’ shopping experience for the thriving Hawke’s Bay town.
The new store on Havelock Road in the centre of Havelock North Village has become the first Foodstuffs North Island supermarket to be given a 4-star Green Star rating due to its sustainable design elements, such as laminated timber beams, efficient heating, advanced energy monitoring, and increased natural light.
New World Havelock North is owned and operated by Richard Lucas, who has owned the former New World store for ten years and lived in Havelock North for 47 years. He is a second-generation grocer whose father previously owned New World Hastings.
Lucas described the new store as a game changer for the people of Havelock North and the wider Hawke’s Bay.
“It’s an exciting day to see everything come together. The store will provide a modern and enjoyable shopping experience for everyone. Whether you’re doing your main shop, topping up, looking for value and everyday essentials or wanting a treat, there’s something for everyone,” said Lucas.
“As well as having over 25,000 products available, the new store also features a juice bar offering cold-pressed juice, gelato, sushi, lunch options, and a rotisserie chicken oven.”
He added that the team has been growing, too, with at least 25 new members, including two baristas, two full-time chefs, four additional bakers, and a dedicated pastry chef.
Foodstuffs North Island Chief Executive Chris Quin said New World Havelock North has been looking to raise the bar for a greener, more sustainable supermarket build while delivering excellent customer value.
“A lot of planning and effort has gone into this build, and we couldn’t be happier with the result,” said Quin.
“From the outset, we’ve focused on living up to Foodstuffs’ commitment to be leaders in sustainability, incorporating building materials with a lower carbon footprint, greater end-of-life considerations, more waste minimisation features, and readiness for switching to solar, when feasible.”
He also said they had worked closely with the local council to improve access for shoppers using public transport and the local cycleway. Carpark access from three entrances will minimise congestion, too.
New World Havelock North is Foodstuffs North Island’s first new store to open in 2024, with the co-op investing around $100 million in property upgrades every year and another two New World stores in the pipeline with Auckland’s Mount Albert due to reopen in October and Pāpāmoa’s ‘The Sands’ in November.
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