Waikanae New World has impressed the judges as the Manawatū Checker of the Year event last week, claiming the title of the top scoring store in the competition.

Waikanae's Isabel Harding also took out third place.

Last week 80 checkout operators from New World and Pak'nSave stores across the Manawatū region went till-to-till in Foodstuffs North Island's 70th annual Checker of the Year competition which attracted a record number of entries this year.

The Manawatū region's top three checkers were Kayla Buchanan from Pak'nSave Palmerston North in first place, Jono Burt from New World Pioneer in second place, and Isabel Harding from Waikanae New World in third.

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The checkers competed on stage against one another while being judged by a team of eight senior Foodstuffs staff.

Checkers were assessed on their speed, presentation, customer service and accuracy as they scanned 30 items as quickly as possible, while also staying friendly and composed.

Isabel has been working at the Waikanae New World for seven months and entered the competition with her workmates for fun.

"Everyone was very supportive and were cheering throughout the competition.
"It was a lot of fun."

The winner received an HP sprocket printer, while the second place-getter won a bluetooth speaker and the third place-getter won an Omen headset.

The other checkers in the top 10 each received a $50 Prezzy Card.

There were also prizes for the best dressed team and the best supporting team.

As the winner of the Manawatū region heat, Kayla Buchanan 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 between August and November to determine the overall North Island Checker of the Year winner and two runners-up, which will be announced in November.