Checkout operators from New World, Pak'nSave, and Four Square stores across the Bay of Plenty took to the tills to compete in the Checker of the Year Foodstuffs North Island annual competition.
A total of 95 checkout operators took part at the Baycourt Theatre in Tauranga last night.
Nerissa Thorburn from Pak'nSave Whakatane took out first place, Ashley Mather from Pak'nSave Cameron Rd second place, and Shannon Smith from New World Mt Maunganui third.
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.
Foodstuffs North Island chief executive Chris Quin said the company had run its Checker of the Year competition for decades and was 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 provided 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 12 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 Bay of Plenty regional heat, Ms Thorburn will go on to compete against the winners of the nine other regional heats held over June and 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.