Seven new supermarkets set to open

An artist's impression of the new Pak'nSave store in Tauriko (Tauranga).

Supermarket operator Foodstuffs is pumping $200 million into opening seven new stores and refurbishing 11 others.

Three Pak'nSave stores are being built in Tauriko (Tauranga), Tamatea (Napier) and Queenstown, while New World outlets are under construction in Papakura, Te Kuiti and Christchurch's Ferry Rd.

A Four Square store is also set to open in West Melton, Christchurch.

The company said a stocktake of developments underway showed $120 million was being invested into opening the news stores.

A further $80 million would be spent on refurbishing outlets including New Worlds in Auckland's CBD and Orewa and the Pak'nSave in Clendon, South Auckland.

Up to 400 new jobs will be created, the supermarket operator said.

Foodstuffs investment comes after rival supermarket operator Progressive Enterprises, which owns the Countdown chain, announced last month that six supermarkets would be closed.

Countdown Rangiora Central, which will close on October 2, was the only store scheduled for closure that was named.

At that time Countdown spokesman James Walker said the company would open three new stores and two replacement stores in the 2017 financial year.

Foodstuffs' general manager for property development, Lindsay Rowles, said many growth opportunities existed for retail development in New Zealand.

"Consumers are becoming more discerning about where they shop," said Rowles. "Some want more modern facilities and a wider range of products, while others are focussed on cost savings and environmental sustainability. We are well aware of all those factors, and are investing in order to cater for these needs well into the future."