Dannevirke: Check-mate for local crew

Dannevirke New World checker Lauren Hollis in action at the Foodstuffs North Island Checker of the Year competition.

A team of five Dannevirke New World checkout operators and their support crew travelled to Palmerston North last week to compete in the Foodstuffs North Island Checker of the Year competition.

Sherilee Chasland, Kaitlin Edmonds, Tayla Nathan, Sheryl Smith and Lauren Hollis tested their skills on stage at the Regent Theatre against 80 other checkers, in front of eight senior Foodstuffs staff.

They were judged on their speed, presentation, customer service and accuracy as they scanned 30 items as fast as possible, while staying friendly and composed.

The checker of the year competition has been held for more than 40 years and, while the Dannevirke crew didn't hit the top spots this year, New World Dannevirke owner Garry Hasler says they are keen to take part again next year.

"We send a team every year. Some of this year's Dannevirke crew were there for the first time and it is very daunting to get up there on stage in front of an audience."

In the audience was a support crew for the team - all dressed in a Kiwiana theme.

"It's a good, fun night," says Hasler. "The competition is serious but the event is also very social."

While the checkers are encouraged to practice before the big evening, the focus is on skills they use every day, Hasler says.

"The checkout operators are a very important part of our business. They are the last point of contact with our customers and the impression they give will be the one the customer takes away. There aren't a lot of courses or competitions that showcase these skills so this is a neat competition to enter, and a way of recognising the value our checkers add to the customer's experience."

The top 12 checkers each received a $50 gift card, with the top three finalists winning extra prizes. There were prizes for the best decorated banner, best support team and the best team of checkers overall.