The hunt is on to find Foodstuffs North Island’s top checkout operators, with teams from locally owned PAK’nSAVE, New World, Four Square, and Gilmours stores going head-to-head at 10 regional events from Whangārei to Wellington throughout September and October. 

Now in its 77th year, the Checkout Operator of the Year competition is one of the co-op’s most anticipated events. Each regional showdown blends high-energy entertainment with serious checkout skills, customer service, technical expertise, professionalism, and accuracy, played out in front of store teams and supporters.  

Contestants at their checkouts after completing their heats

This year’s theme - ALL IN (for customers every day) - sets the tone for the events, where store supporters turn out in full costume to cheer on their team-mates and create a party atmosphere between heats. 

The accolades on the night are: 

• 1st, 2nd and 3rd place (individual)  
• Top Scoring Store  
• Best Dressed Store  
• Best Supporting Store  
• Retail Excellence Award (the highest scoring checkout operator from the top scoring store) 

Later in the year, regional winners will be mystery shopped by an independent customer service expert as they work in their store. From there, the Foodstuffs North Island Checkout Operator of the Year will be announced at the Foodstuffs North Island Excellence Awards in June 2026 

A lot of pride rides on Checkout Operator of the Year. Stores often train their competitors for weeks, fine-tuning everything from scan flow to customer interaction, so they can be at their peak on the night and secure a place on the podium for their store. 

Store support cheering on their checkout competitors

Wendy Hammonds, GM People & Capability, Foodstuffs North Island, says the competition celebrates the skill and dedication of the co-op's frontline checkout heroes. 

“Our checkout operators are the people every customer meets during every visit. But they do far more than scan groceries. They manage complex transactions, solve problems on the spot, and keep the flow of the store running smoothly. The intensity and pride they bring to their work is on full display in this competition, showing just how much skill, care, and professionalism goes into being a great operator.”  

When: Regional events across September–October 2025  

• Where: 10 venues across the North Island, from Whangārei to Wellington  
• Theme: ALL IN (for customers every day)  
• Finale: Overall winner announced at the Foodstuffs North Island Excellence Awards, June 2026 

Checker of the Year 2025 Auckland North