Northland checkout operators vie for 'rock star' title

Elizabeth Franks, from New World Onerahi, won the event and will compete against the winners of the nine other regional heats in November.

Earlier this month 43 checkout operators from New World, Pak'nSave and Four Square stores across the region took to the tills onstage at the Riverside Theatre in Whangarei to compete for the chance to be named Checker of the Year in Foodstuffs North Island's annual competition.

The checkers were judged by a team of eight senior Foodstuffs staff on their speed, presentation, customer service and accuracy as they scanned 30 items as quickly as possible, while also staying friendly and composed.

Top 12 competitor Hayley Coop, from New World Regent, during the competition in Whangarei.

The top three checkers were Elizabeth Franks, from New World Onerahi, in first place; Sharlene Pilkington, from New World Onerahi in second place; and Brittany Glavish from Pak'nSave Whangarei in third.

Foodstuffs North Island CEO Chris Quin said the company had run its Checker of the Year competition for decades, and it was an annual highlight for staff right across the business.

Third placegetter Brittany Glavish from PAK'nSAVE Whangarei.

"It's a great opportunity for us to recognise and celebrate the contribution our checkout operators make on the frontline of our business every day.

"Our checkers are the face of our business and their customer service skills are crucial to our success in meeting the expectations of our customers.

"The annual Checker of the Year competition is about acknowledging their skills and creating some friendly rivalry between stores," he said.

While the competition is taken seriously by the competitors, the event also provides an opportunity for them and their supporters to have some fun.

With a 'rock star' theme this year, competitors' colleagues, family and friends donned rock star outfits and cheered them on with banners, chants and store mascots.

The top 12 checkers, out of 43 contestants, each received a $50 gift card, with the top three finalists winning extra prizes. There were also prizes for the best dressed team, best supporting teams and best air guitar solo.

Ms Franks said she loved working at the supermarket.

"For me, the best thing about working at New World Onerahi is the amazing group of people I get to work alongside. Everyone on the New World Onerahi team is so friendly and fun, and we had such a great time competing together at the Northland Checker of the Year competition."

Sharlene Pilkington, from New World Onerahi was second.

As the winner of the Northland region heat, Ms Franks will go on to compete against the winners of the nine other regional heats.

Each regional winner will be mystery shopped three times between August and November to determine the overall North Island Checker of the Year winner and two runners-up, which will be announced at the Foodstuffs North Island Excellence Awards in November.