Half of employees of gutted store find new jobs

Almost half of the former Kaikohe New World employees have found new jobs after their workplace was gutted by fire last month.

Of the 70 staff previously employed at the supermarket, 34 have begun new jobs or were about to start them in other Foodstuffs stores or local businesses, a Foodstuffs spokesperson said.

The remaining staff have been paid up until Christmas.

The cause of the fire has not been determined, but arson has been ruled out.

"There will definitely be a new New World in Kaikohe but a decision on exactly where is still a couple of months away," the Foodstuffs spokesperson said.

- NORTHERN ADVOCATE (WHANGAREI)