PAK’nSAVE Cameron Rd Store Manager Anna Howley has been among many team members who have worked their way up the ranks owing to the training and development opportunities offered.
Howley’s story started 20 years ago when she and her husband moved from Auckland to Tauranga with their young children. A qualified hairdresser turned stay-at-home mum, she sought a night job to balance work and family responsibilities.
Her path led her to New World Brookfield, then owned by Dean Waddell. Starting in the produce department, Howley quickly demonstrated her dedication and people skills, opening her to the HR assistant role and then to being the store’s HR Manager.
When Waddell bought PAK’nSAVE Cameron Rd in 2013, Howley joined him, taking on the challenge of a larger, fast-paced environment. Her hard work and passion for people paid off as she climbed the ranks to become Store Manager, a role she never initially envisioned.
“Dean invested in my career and gave me the opportunities to get to where I am today. It’s been hard work, but it’s incredibly rewarding. I love mentoring our team members and seeing them grow,” said Howley.
“The environment lets you be who you are. When people feel safe and supported, they achieve unbelievable success. Our store’s team is filled with talented individuals making big strides in their careers.”
Under her guidance, PAK’nSAVE Cameron Rd earned ‘Store of the Year’ at the 2024 internal Foodstuffs North Island Co-op Awards, highlighting the store’s service and team development excellence.
“We work hard to ensure our team members have what they need to succeed in their roles, and we place a huge emphasis on training and development to encourage people with the right attitude and work ethic to reach their full potential,” said Waddell.
“Anna is an inspiration and a real asset to the team. She’s made a huge contribution to the store over the years, and it’s been a pleasure to see her develop and grow into the leader she is today.”
PAK’nSAVE Cameron Rd’s commitment to career development and community impact has been made clear, from parents re-entering the workforce to ambitious individuals seeking growth.
