Fresh start for Paihia supermarket

Work has started at the Countdown building in Paihia ahead of its planned re-opening next month. Photo / Peter de Graaf

Countdown in Paihia is due to re-open next month after a lengthy closure.

The town's only supermarket was shut down abruptly last September following a dispute between Progressive Enterprises, which owns the Countdown chain, and Kerikeri businessman Ian Blakeman, who leased the land and owned the building.

Countdown's lease on the building expired on August 1 but the company refused to move out until a court order forced it to vacate the building immediately on September 10. Staff were going about their work when security guards arrived, ordered everyone out and erected a fence.

In the interim, Countdown opened a temporary store in the old Paihia fire station in the town centre.

It is understood the Te Tii (Waitangi) B3 Trust, which owns the land, bought the building last month following long talks with Mr Blakeman and has allowed Countdown to re-open.

The supermarket is now undergoing a major refit and is due to open in June. The date has yet to be set.

It was originally due to re-open this month.

Reasons for the delay reportedly include the theft of building materials.

Te Tii B3 Trust chairman Wiremu Tane said getting Countdown back on site with a long-term lease had been the trust's primary goal since the supermarket had been forced to stop trading last year.

"The Trust beneficiaries have provided dedicated support to ensure the opportunity was not lost, with all visualising a bright future for commercial enterprise ahead," Mr Tane said.

Countdown's acting managing director, Steve Donohue, said the trust had been instrumental in making sure the company was able to provide a full-service supermarket for Waitangi, Paihia, Russell and surrounding areas.

"I'd like to thank everyone involved at the Trust, particularly the board, staff and its chairman, who have done a tremendous job bringing the parties together and negotiating this positive outcome," he said.

The supermarket will employ about 25 people.

Te Tii B3 Trust owns much of the land between Puketona Rd and the Waitangi Bridge.

Its acquisition of the supermarket, and reportedly also the neighbouring Nautilus Motel, means it now also owns most of the buildings.

Mr Blakeman did not respond to requests for comment.