Controversial fast food outlet opens in Whangarei

Managers Paige Simpson and Kayleigh Knight maintain their excitement in the afternoon despite their shifts starting pre-5am.

A convenient but controversial McDonald's has opened in Whangarei.

The restaurant, on the corner of State Highway 1 and Tauroa St across from Gull, has created 60 new jobs, but prompted concerns over unhealthy eating and traffic.

The 82-seat restaurant with 24-hour drive thru opened at 5am yesterday.

Whangarei Mayor Sheryl Mai said she had discussed with the franchisee getting a promotional stand in the restaurant to "entice people to come and discover the rest of the city".

"I can't get into the debate about healthy food," she said. "I am pleased it's an employer in town. A minimum wage job is still a job and it could be a stepping stone for someone."

The fast food outlet was a permitted activity under the district plan, so did not require consent from the council.

She said she hoped the area would grow in the future to include a supermarket and "boutique" stores.

When plans for the restaurant were announced in June, Manaia PHO dietician Daniela Johnson said it was "disappointing" to see the fast food chain set up near the low-income Raumanga community.

"But, as a community, if people choose other options it sends a good message," Ms Johnson said.

She encouraged Raumanga families to seek out other options, such as the cheap fruit and vegetable pre-order service available from The Pulse on Raumanga Valley Rd.

McDonald's then issued a statement saying it was targeting State Highway 1 motorists, not nearby residents.

Manager Kayleigh Knight describing the opening day yesterday as "very steady".

The "Mac Attack" combo: Two Big Macs, fries and a drink had been the most popular order of the day.

Andy Greager and Carol McGuire of Maungatapere were among the first day's customers and said having a McDonald's slightly closer probably wouldn't change their habits.

"We only came because it was opening today," Mr Greager said.

The couple said they felt the restaurant was good in that it created employment and was convenient for nearby workers.

The restaurant, which had its access off Tauroa St had also prompted traffic concerns from locals, who said the turn-off intersection was already busy.

The New Zealand Transport Agency's Brett Gliddon said the upgrade of the nearby Rewa Rewa Rd intersection would improve safety. NZTA was also looking at lowering the speed limit along the stretch of SH1 which passed the McDonald's.