Some North Island supermarkets are rationining toilet paper. Photo / File
Some North Island supermarkets are rationining toilet paper. Photo / File
Toilet paper is flying off the shelves once again during lockdown and being rationed in supermarkets across the North Island.
Foodstuffs says it has put limits on the sale of toilet paper, flour, sugar and other baking products at its New World and Pak'n Save supermarkets in the North Island.
"This ensures we can moderate demand, manage supply and enable more customers to access the essentials they need. Everyone deserves a fair go at the essentials they need to look after their family," a spokeswoman said.
She said a few Auckland stores saw a bit of a rush last night, "but it's not anything our stores and staff haven't seen before".
Less than one hour after the lockdown announcement last night, queues were building at the Countdown Ponsonby supermarket. Photo / Supplied
"We haven't seen too many queues today. I think New Zealanders' trust in us to have essentials on shelves when they come in, plus the wet weather, seems to be keeping people inside," the spokeswoman said.
The supplies of toilet paper are not a problem at Countdown supermarkets, with a spokeswoman saying "sales of toilet paper spiked last night but today everything is going okay for us in our stores. Flowing smoothly, you might say".
"Customers are shopping normally and heeding our advice not to stock up, which is great," she said.
Last night, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said there was "no need to rush out to get any essential items".
Nevertheless, queues formed at some Auckland supermarkets.
In Freemans Bay, Jacqueline Campbell had a trolley full of groceries at New World on a day she'd not normally shop.
"My husband came in and said: 'We should probably get some food'."
At Countdown in Howick, the flour aisle was virtually empty.
"The teams had a busy night with shoppers unfortunately rushing into a number of our stores, but all our store teams have worked incredibly hard overnight to put our physical distancing and safety measures in place," said the Countdown spokeswoman.
She said the supply chain at Countdown supermarkets is working as it should be and there are no issues to report.
"We'd really encourage Kiwis not to stockpile - we've proven before that there's absolutely no need, and that Countdown knows what we need to do to keep our team and customers safe, and make sure there's food on the table."
The flour shelf at Countdown Howick. Photo / Heath Moore
Both Countdown and Foodstuffs which owns New World, Pak'nSave and Four Square supermarkets, reminded shoppers to make sure they scan in.
A spokeswoman for Foodstuffs said following yesterday's announcement that Auckland is to return to alert level 3, its supermarkets were working hard to provide essential groceries.
"Our supply chain is robust and we are working closely with our suppliers to meet customers' needs," she said.
As well as scanning, the spokeswoman asked customers in the wider Auckland area to nominate a family member to shop to comply with physical distancing recommendations, and to ensure there is a steady flow of traffic in and out of stores.
"Within our 'one in, one out' system, we are asking New Zealanders who shop in person to please shop alone. This is to ensure the number of people in-store at any one time is kept to a minimum – by leaving your loved ones at home you are helping keep them safe."
The supermarkets are also asking people to wear masks while shopping in line with the Government's direction.
Foodstuffs also encouraged people to utilise contactless payments such as payWave as another way of reducing contact between customers and staff.
People are also encouraged to shop online where it is available
"And be kind, patient, considerate to others and staff," said the Foodstuffs spokeswoman
