Pak'nSave opens in Tauriko

Patricia Ruawhare, 45, Parkvale, was one of the first people through the new Pak'nSave at The Crossings. Photo/John Borren

Tauranga Crossing's Pak'nSave opened its doors as about 150 locals and dignitaries looked on.

The supermarket was officially opened yesterday by owner and operator Jon Morrison and store manager Joanna Bowles in front of the crowd which included Tauranga Mayor Stuart Crosby.

The Warehouse, Noel Leeming, Warehouse Stationery and ANZ were the first Tauranga Crossing shops to open on September 15 and were yesterday joined by Pak'nSave, ProfessioNail, The Crossing Pharmacy and Sharing Shed.

Keen shoppers went straight into the new store after the opening.

Patricia Ruawhare was one of the first to go through the new check-outs.

Her partner worked in the area, so she dropped him off at work before dropping into the new supermarket to pick up a few groceries.

"It's a beautiful store. Very spacious too. It will be much more convenient to shop here compared with in Tauranga," the Parkvale resident said.

Tauranga Crossing Pak'nSave owner and operator Jon Morrison said he was rapt the supermarket was finally open.

"There was a decent crowd, it's nice to see the support. It's great to finally get to this point where we can open the doors for both staff and customers who will use the store," he told the

Mr Morrison said the build had not come without challenges.

"It's awesome for the staff and team to have the doors open now."

He said the store was a bit smaller than the Cameron Rd Pak'nSave but it was the "right size for this catchment".

"It has a really nice feel to it, the locals are going to love it."

Mr Morrison was previously the owner of New World Te Puke.

The opening of the supermarket had created about 135 locals jobs so far, he said.

Tauranga Crossing's Pak'nSave was opened by owner operator Jon Morrison this morning. Photo/John Borren