Gina bags top Foodstuffs checker prize

New World Regent's Gina Iggo scooped the top prize. Photo / Supplied

What makes a top checkout operator? According to the organisers of a regional contest, it's all down to speed, presentation, customer service and accuracy, as contestants scanned 30 items as fast as possible to battle it out for the title of Foodstuffs North Island Checker of the Year.

More than 40 operators from Northland's New World, Pak'nSave and Four Square stores put their skills to the test at the Captain Bougainville Theatre in Whangarei on Monday night.

A team of eight senior Foodstuffs staff judged the event, which also required the contestants to be all of the above, as well as friendly and composed.

Jessica Fliss from New World Regent came third.

The Northland event saw three come out shining - Gina Iggo and Jessica Fliss from New World Regent and Kelly Dale from New World Warkworth.

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

There are 10 regional Checker of the Year competitions across the North Island throughout June and July, with mystery shoppers testing each region's winner to determine one overall North Island Checker of the Year winner and two runners-up, which will be announced at the Foodstuffs North Island Excellence Awards on November 14.

Event organiser Kristie McGregor said Checker of the Year had been going for more than 40 years, and was a fun night for checkers to demonstrate their customer service skills and engage in a bit of friendly competition.