Still Going Strong: PAK’nSAVE Mt Albert’s over-80s trio celebrate decades of dedication
They’ve watched the tills go from clunky to digital, seen families grow from toddlers in trolleys to parents with trolleys and toddlers of their own – and through it all, three remarkable octogenarians at PAK’nSAVE Mt Albert have kept showing up with a smile.
This month, the store is shining a spotlight on its very own Golden Trio, checkout operators Hilloo Hally (82) and Nellie Tilly (81), and butchery supervisor Shirley Lowe (81). Between them, they’ve clocked up nearly 90 years of service – and show no signs of slowing down.
While many would be enjoying retirement by now, these three enjoy keeping busy, meeting people and feeling like they can play a part in their community.
Owner Harry Chawla says his store - like PAK’nSAVE stores around the country - is all about people being themselves and pitching in. He reckons everyone’s got something valuable to offer, no matter their age, and the team does what it can to help people grow, reach their goals, and enjoy what they do.
“Hiloo, Nellie and Shirley are an inspiration and an invaluable part of the team. To us, they’re family. They bring wisdom, warmth and joy to the store and our customers every day, and we’re all better for it.
“Their commitment is a great reminder that age is no barrier to doing meaningful work. Hilloo, Nellie and Shirley genuinely create community. Their amazing service and presence have a ripple effect across the store.”
Meet the team behind the smiles
PAK'nSAVE Mt Albert team members Shirley Lowe, Hilloo Hally and Nellie Tilly. Their decades of service and exceptional customer service show that age is no barrier to doing what you love.
Hilloo Hally – checkout operator, age 82
Hilloo arrived in New Zealand from Mumbai at age 62, walked into her first job interview – and walked out with a checkout job at PAK’nSAVE. Two decades later, she’s still on the roster two days a week and is affectionately known as “Hilloo Aunty”.
“I love talking to customers. This place, the ambience, the people – it’s my happy place,” she says.
Before moving to New Zealand, Hilloo ran her own café in India, and worked as a corporate secretary for a financial director.
After recovering from a serious accident 12 years ago, Hilloo credits the store with helping her stay independent and connected.
“PAK’nSAVE is wonderful. They all care for me. I feel part of something special.”
Nellie Tilly – checkout operator, age 81
Nellie joined the very day PAK’nSAVE Mt Albert opened its doors on 15 October 1990, after already working five years at a New World store nearby.
She now works four days a week and says the store team still feels like family.
“Every day is different. I love the people – both the staff and customers.
“This is the best job I’ve ever had,” she says. “Some customers make my day, and sometimes I make theirs. That’s what keeps me here.”
Her loyal service was recently recognised with a long-service award, though her brightest badge is the grin she shares with customers every shift.
Shirley Lowe – butchery supervisor, age 81
Shirley joined in 1992 after raising her family and helping run fruit shops and a lunch bar.
Today, she works three early morning shifts a week, kicking off her mornings at 5am, filling shelves and keeping the butchery humming with her hard work and quick wit.
“I never thought I’d still be working at this age,” she says. “But I enjoy the company and it gives me purpose. I enjoy interacting with all the different customers we have.”
Her grandchildren have even followed her into the store’s checkout and butchery teams, making her contribution a true family legacy.
Asked when she might retire, she laughs.
“I’ll hang up my hat, not my boots – but not just yet.”
PAK’nSAVE Mt Albert is proud to celebrate these three extraordinary women who prove every day that energy and purpose don’t come with an expiry date.