The new store has sustainable design elements such as its laminated timber beams, efficient heating, advanced energy monitoring and increased natural light and features a juice bar, gelato, sushi and a rotisserie chicken oven.
“It’s an exciting day to see everything come together. The store’s going to provide a modern and enjoyable shopping experience for everyone.
“Our team is growing too, with at least 25 new members, including two talented baristas and two fulltime chefs, along with four additional bakers and a dedicated pastry chef.”
Foodstuffs North Island chief executive Chris Quin said they were happy with new build.
“We’ve also worked closely with the local council to improve access for shoppers using public transport and the local cycleway. Car park access from three entrances will minimise congestion too.”
New World Havelock North is Foodstuffs North Island’s first new store to open in 2024, with the co-op investing around $100 million in property upgrades every year, and another two New Worlds in the pipeline with Auckland’s Mt Albert due to reopen in October and Pāpāmoa’s ‘The Sands’ in November.
New World pulled out of its commitment to build a new supermarket in Flaxmere, closing its existing store on February 25 and leaving a suburb of more than 10,000 people without a supermarket.
Plans for a replacement independent supermarket in the Flaxmere Village building are in train, with the landlord indicating it could be occupied again by the end of the year.
