NZ supermarkets are closed Christmas Day, so one chain is trying vending machines

An 'emergency' vending machine at New World on Lunn Ave in Mount Wellington on December 24, 2024. Photo / Michael Craig

As Kiwis brave the nation’s busy supermarkets on Christmas Eve to do their final shop before doors close tonight, one well-known retailer has turned to vending machines as an option for December 25.

New World has installed “Xmas SOS vending machines” at three of its supermarkets around the country, designed as a solution for shoppers needing to make last-minute purchases on Christmas Day, when supermarkets will be shut for the public holiday.

Located in Auckland (New World Stonefields), Wellington (New World Wellington City), and Christchurch (New World Durham St), the machines will be operating on Christmas Day, with Stonefields also in action on Boxing Day.

Each will be stocked with a product selection tailored to New Zealand’s Christmas tastes and needs – things like lemons, cheese and chocolate, ingredients to whip up Kiwi onion dip, as well as cream and butter.

An edited range of groceries are available from the vending machines, all common last-minute purchases before Christmas. Photo / Michael Craig

With dairy products and chocolate being vulnerable to heat, some Kiwi Facebook users expressed their concern, questioning whether the machines were refrigerated.

A New World spokesperson confirmed to the Herald that vending machines were chilled between 3C to 6C.

Also catering to need are the proceeds from the initiative, which will be donated to the City Missions in the Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch.

Te Tāpui Atawhai Auckland City Mission prepared 7000 food parcels during December, and the festive period is one of their busiest times of the year, with a spike in people needing assistance.

Auckland City Mission food boxes included pantry staples, meals and some festive food for Christmas Day. The Mission received a $10,000 grant from Auckland Airport this Christmas. Photo / Greg Bowker

On Christmas Day the Mission will be hosting its longstanding sit-down lunch service.

Supermarkets will be closed. December 25 is a restricted trading day in New Zealand so New World, Woolworths and Pak’nSave’s doors will be shut.

Some Four Square stores around the country will be open. Petrol stations and dairies can operate, as can eateries selling takeaway food, so there are some options if you find yourself needing to buy food on Christmas Day.

Many Kiwi households have been navigating tight budgets and cost of living pressures this year.

Foodbanks have seen increasing demand, and the 2024 holiday period has seen charity appeals around the country.

Twenty families received hundreds of dollars of groceries from donations at Tauranga Crossing shopping centre.

In Rotorua there was a Fill the Bus campaign, and Scope Cafe’s food fundraiser drew record donations.

On December 25 Auckland’s Satya restaurant will be serving free Christmas lunch to people in need.