For local baker Fleur Blake, early mornings have been a way of life for a quarter of a century.
This year, Blake reached a milestone few in today’s workforce achieve: 25 years of continuous service with Woolworths.
Woolworths officially recognised her quarter-century of dedication at the Woolworths 25 Year Club celebration at the Distinction Hotel in Palmerston North, after inducting her into the club earlier this year in Auckland.
The baker from the Woolworths Rangitīkei St store in Palmerston North is a multi-award-winning baker who made history as the first two-time winner of Woolworths New Zealand's annual Baker of the Year competition.
Blake’s journey began at 24, starting in the bakery section of a small store in Te Awamutu, Waikato. From those humble beginnings, her career took her across the country.
Over the last 25 years, she has worked in more than 25 stores across the lower North Island and up to Nelson, including relief and contracted work at 15 locations.
Along the way, she helped launch new branches, including the Aotea store in Wellington, and assisted with major renovations at the Masterton store.
Eventually, her path brought her to Palmerston North, where she became a staple of the local community.
For Blake, supermarket work has truly been a family affair. When she first started, her partner also worked for the company, and her children later followed in her footsteps.
When asked what has kept her motivated in the bakery aisle, her answer is simple: the community.
Being the sole inductee from Palmerston North among 75 new inductees recognised across the region earlier this year, Blake represents a rare tier of commitment.
Across New Zealand, the Woolworths New Zealand 25 Year Club has 1,875 members, including current team members and retirees.
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