MEDIA RELEASE
28 June 2017
Waikato’s ‘rock star’ supermarket checkers named
Last night, more than 100 checkout operators from New World and PAK’nSAVE stores across the Waikato region took to the
tills onstage at Claudelands Arena to compete for the chance to be named Checker of the Year in Foodstuffs North
Island’s annual competition.
The checkers were judged by a team of eight senior Foodstuffs staff on their speed, presentation, customer service and
accuracy as they scanned 30 items as quickly as possible, while also staying friendly and composed.
The top three checkers were Sumantha Prasad from New World Te Rapa in first place, Rochelle Molina from PAK’nSAVE Mill
Street in second place, and Katie Hipperson from New World Matamata in third.
Foodstuffs North Island CEO Chris Quin said the company has run its Checker of the Year competition for decades, and it
is an annual highlight for staff right across the business.
“It’s a great opportunity for us to recognise and celebrate the contribution our checkout operators make on the
front-line of our business every day.
“Our checkers are the face of our business and their customer service skills are crucial to our success in meeting the
expectations of our customers. The annual Checker of the Year competition is about acknowledging their skills and
creating some friendly rivalry between stores,” he said.
While the competition is taken seriously by the competitors, the event also provides an opportunity for them and their
supporters to have some fun.
With a ‘rock star’ theme this year, competitors’ colleagues, family and friends donned rock star outfits and cheered
them on with banners, chants and store mascots.
The top twelve checkers each received a $50 gift card, with the top three finalists winning extra prizes. There were
also prizes for the best dressed team, best supporting teams and best air guitar solo.
As the winner of the Waikato region heat, Sumantha Prasad will go on to compete against the winners of the nine other
regional heats held over June-July. Each regional winner will be mystery shopped three times between August and November
to determine the overall North Island Checker of the Year winner and two runners-up, which will be announced at the
Foodstuffs North Island Excellence Awards in November.
ENDS