40 new Rotorua jobs with new burger service

TASTY TREAT: Tom Parry, 10, checks out his burger creation, while brother George, 12, has a go. PHOTO/STEPHEN PARKER

Forty new jobs have been created after two Rotorua McDonald's outlets were selected to lead the way with a new "create your taste" burger option where customers can select from more than 30 options to create their own burgers.

The Fenton St restaurant launched the new service yesterday while Fairy Springs will start it on Tuesday, becoming just the second and third McDonald's restaurants in New Zealand to offer it.

It allows customers to use one of several touch screen kiosks to create their own burger.

George Parry, 12, left, and Tom Parry, 10. McDonald's new ordering system.

Once they have chosen from the more than 30 options, they go to their table and wait for the meals to be brought to them, on a wooden board with the fries in a wire basket.

McDonald's Rotorua franchisee Rob Parry said it was hugely exciting to be leading the way in New Zealand, and with the 40 new jobs created across the two restaurants was a significant benefit for Rotorua.

He said 25 new staff were taken on at the Fenton St branch, with another 15 at Fairy Springs - and more could be hired.

Many were hired through Work and Income, which was a "good news story", he said.

The concept was launched at Auckland's Balmoral store in late January. New Zealand is one of the first countries the concept is being rolled out in.

Mr Parry said in his 29 years with McDonald's it was one of the most exciting developments.

McDonald's marketing manager, innovation and projects, Miriam Rae said Rotorua was a natural choice as the second restaurant, with its mix of local and tourist market, as well as being busier than its Auckland counterpart.