Foodstuffs North Island honours top talent across the co-op

From learning the ropes to being recognised among the best in the business, Foodstuffs North Island celebrated the people who keep the New Zealand co-operative humming at its 2026 Excellence Awards on Saturday. 

The day began with a graduation ceremony at the Landing Drive Support Centre in Auckland, where 177 participants celebrated completing 230 trade and retail professional qualifications alongside family, friends, and colleagues. 

Supporting the development of its people is a big part of Foodstuffs North Island's commitment to creating career opportunities across the region.  

The co-operative offers a wide range of roles and trade and development programmes that help team members build rewarding long-term careers in their local communities, from their first job in store through to leadership and owner-operator opportunities. The graduation ceremony recognised those taking the next step in that path.  

Many graduates went on to be recognised again that evening, as the Excellence Awards highlighted top performers across the business. 

The awards reflected the depth of talent across Foodstuffs North Island’s stores and distribution network, including emerging leaders and apprentices. Among those recognised were Te Awaitaia Rolls of New World Ōpōtiki, named Butcher Apprentice of the Year, and Victoria Gibbons of PAK’nSAVE Lincoln Road, awarded Baker Apprentice of the Year.  

Leadership and retail excellence were also in focus, with Tsepang Nyathi of New World Green Bay recognised for first place in Supervisory Excellence, and Jessica Chapman of PAK’nSAVE Glen Innes awarded first place in Retailing Excellence.  

Roles that support day-to-day operations were also celebrated, including Driver of the Year Gagandeep Singh from the co-op’s Grenada Depot in Wellington, and Machine Operator of the Year Metua Kauvarevai from the co-op’s Nesdale Avenue distribution centre in Auckland. 

Sue Osborne, Head of Learning at Foodstuffs North Island, says there was a strong sense of pride and excitement across the day: “Both of these events are special because they’re focused entirely on recognising our people. We’re celebrating our team members across the co-op, from the shop floor and in our trucks, to our support centre and distribution centres.”  

The evening also recognised those who bring Foodstuffs North Island’s values to life every day, with Four Square St Heliers owner-operator Stacey Huston named the overall Values Award winner. 

Chris Quin, the co-operative's CEO, says the evening is a highlight of the year: “What stands out is the pride our people take in what they do, and the graduation and awards are our way of celebrating the development and professionalism across our co-op. 

“It’s a chance to recognise the commitment people show every day to growing their skills and supporting their teams and communities. Recognising their ongoing effort and dedication is a great feeling.” 

Foodstuffs North Island congratulates all the finalists and winners from the event. 

A full list of winners is below: