Teri Rangi, winner of the Tauranga Checker of the Year competition, with event MC Luke Bird

Teri Rangi from PAK’nSAVE Whakatāne has been named the Tauranga Regional Checkout Operator of the Year, a Foodstuffs North Island competition celebrating checkout operators from across PAK’nSAVE, New World, Four Square, and Gilmours stores. 
 
The competition is in its 77th year and recognises speed, accuracy, and exceptional customer service, with Teri standing out from among 95 talented checkers from across the Tauranga region. 
 
Teri has been in her checkout role for six months. She recently returned to PAK’nSAVE Whakatāne, more than ten years after she started, saying she wanted to come back to where it all began. 
 
“I was surprised, but mostly excited by the win. I’m hoping it will help boost morale and inspire more young people to get involved,” she said. 
 
Robert Jones, store manager at PAK’nSAVE Whakatāne said: “Teri stands out because she has such high personal standards. She’s fast, accurate, and professional, always delivering great service with a smile and a calm, positive energy that lifts the whole team.” 

Teri says a great checkout operator is someone who can “read the room and adjust to meet all our customers’ different needs”. 

Later this year, 10 regional winners - including Teri - will be mystery shopped by an independent customer service expert who will assess them for customer engagement, checkout efficiency and their all-round customer service. 

The overall Checkout Operator of the Year will be announced at the Foodstuffs North Island Excellence Awards in June 2026. 

Lots of excitement from the stores as they cheer on their awesome checkout competitors.