Countdown Central Mall in Rotorua closing in May

Countdown in the Rotorua Central Mall will close in May. Photo / Andrew Warner

The Countdown supermarket in Rotorua’s Central Mall will close next month.

A union with more than 30 members at the supermarket described the news as “disastrous”, while the landlord says it is considering “exciting options” for the space.

A Woolworths New Zealand spokesperson said Countdown Central Mall had served its customers well for many years.

“But as we look to the future, and with our lease coming up for renewal, we believe that it makes sense to combine our customer offer into one Woolworths in the area.”

The spokesperson said Woolworths Rotorua was “right across the road” from its Central Mall supermarket.

“We’re also in the midst of upgrading our Fairy Springs store and will soon be welcoming customers into the refreshed space.”

The supermarket giant announced last year it was spending $400 million on a transformation plan, including rebranding from Countdown back to Woolworths from early 2024.

The spokesperson said it would support its Rotorua team through the change and redeploy Central Mall staff members into new roles in local Woolworths stores “wherever we can”.

Countdown in the Rotorua Central Mall will close in May. Photo / Andrew Warner

The spokesperson said the final date of operation was yet to be confirmed but would be in late May.

“We’ll be communicating further with our customers on this.”

The Rotorua Daily Post has asked Woolworths for comment on how many staff were employed at Central Mall and what feedback it had received from staff.

‘Disastrous’ for union members

Rudd Hughes, First Union national secretary for retail and finance, described the closure as “disastrous” for members, their whānau and the wider community.

“There is a real sense of loss from these workers who see each other as family as much as colleagues.”

Hughes said it represented more than 30 members at Woolworths Central Mall and was working with Woolworths to find alternative employment for its members.

“Some will be seeking redeployment, and First advocates for opportunities that don’t disadvantage our members or cause any loss of earnings or hours.

“Where members are unable to be redeployed, we will also be supporting members to find employment with other companies.”

In response, a Woolworths NZ spokesperson said: “We are working with First Union and, where possible, we are redeploying our team members”.

Landlord considering options for space

Pukeroa Oruawhata Trust chief executive Mark Gibb said as the landlord of Countdown Central Mall, it was “well advanced” in considering some “exciting options” for the space.

“We will share details once commercial arrangements are completed and the new tenants can be announced.”

Pukeroa Oruawhata Trust chief executive Mark Gibb.

Asked about the closure of Smiths City nearby, Gibb said it would be finalising the details of new tenancy arrangements for the area shortly.

Gibb said the trust was constantly looking to bring new retailers to Rotorua. For example, Mountain Warehouse was opening at Trade Central in the ex-Hunting and Fishing Building on April 19.

“Change is inevitable in the current retail environment. We continue to have a number of retailers wanting to lease space at our key sites, we will continue to focus on bringing the best retailers to Rotorua.”

Megan Wilson is a health and general news reporter for the Bay of Plenty Times and Rotorua Daily Post. She has been a journalist since 2021.