Last night, 95 checkout operators from across the Bay of Plenty took to the tills onstage at Baycourt Theatre 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 Nerissa Thorburn from Pak'n Save Whakatane in first place, Ashley Mather from Pak'n Save Cameron Road in second place, and Shannon Smith from New World Mt Maunganui in third.
Foodstuffs North Island chief executive 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.