Countdown Bricks Farm is now available in-store and online, extending last year's hugely successful Countdown Bricks. Customers can build their own unmistakable Kiwi farm complete with Kaipara Kūmara, a red rural letterbox and figurines based on actual growers and farmers who supply Countdown stores across the country.
“Kiwi families loved getting creative with Countdown Bricks last year, and what better way to build on their collections than to highlight the incredible growers who deliver world-class produce to our customers. First and foremost, Countdown Bricks Farm collectables are about bringing joy with a free, sustainable addition to toy boxes across the country. This year Kiwi kids will also have the opportunity to learn more about where their kai comes from - and the people who make it happen,” said Brid Drohan-Stewart, Countdown’s Director of Brand.
Countdown Bricks Farm
The farmer figurines featured in the set are the real-life, unsung heroes of New Zealand.
Anthony Blundell, Managing Director of Kaipara Kūmara and Countdown Bricks Farm star, has worked in the family business for 40 years. His father was one of the first growers to sell directly to Countdown, known as Foodtown, way back in 1967
“We’ve been with Countdown since the start, there were only three stores when Dad started selling to them, and we’ve never looked back. Being chosen to feature as a Brick figurine goes to show how important that relationship is on both sides,” said Blundell.
Alongside Anthony, customers will see figurines of Countdown produce managers Brier O’Shea and Simba Mashingaidze, Kathy Cowell of Balle Bros, LeaderBrand’s Gordon McPhail, Wilcox crop manager Blair Wilcox and Toni Baker from New Zealand Gourmet.
LeaderBrand has been supplying Countdown for more than 30 years with spinach, lettuce, broccoli, corn, pumpkins, bagged salads and lots more. General Manager of Farming Gordon McPhail said farming is in his blood.
“I grew up on a farm and loved it from my earliest memories. I’m now super proud to be able to grow healthy food to feed Kiwi families. I imagine there’ll be a fair amount of banter and stick from my workmates about seeing me as a collectable toy, but my kids will love it. It’s really cool to see farming recognised in this way,” said McPhail.
The complete Countdown Bricks Farm, including additional merchandise
Like its predecessor, Countdown Bricks Farm has been certified by Environmental Choice New Zealand, and this year’s collection is made from 100 percent recycled plastic, giving new life to items that would otherwise end up in the landfill. There are 40 unique Countdown Bricks Farm Packs to collect until December 25, with only the luckiest collectors getting their hands on one of 100 rare Golden Sheep. Customers receive one pack with every $30 spent in the store. Farm starter packs, additional figures and farm vehicles are also available to purchase. The farm experience continues on Countdown’s website and the myCountdown App.
“We know most of our customers will enjoy collecting Countdown Bricks Farm Packs, but for those who don’t want to collect, we’ll have donation boxes in store so that unwanted Bricks can be passed on to the store’s chosen charity to be loved by someone else,” said Drohan-Stewart.
