Kiwis stockpiled emergency supplies as the country was hit with a week of snowstorms and torrential rain. Photo/Rangitikei District Council
Kiwis stocked up on winter essentials during the cold snap two weeks ago - leading to a spike in the sale of items, including the basics for a hearty roast dinner.
Countdown supermarkets' sales data revealed shoppers flocked to buy emergency supplies, including water, matches and batteries, as well as
heaters and canned soup, as the country was hit with snowstorms, torrential rain and freezing temperatures two weeks ago.
Heating equipment sales were up 45 per cent during the polar blast, compared to the previous month.
Heaters proved particularly popular among the folk in the Far North and Aucklanders, with around 65 per cent more heating equipment sold in these regions than the previous month.
National sales for cold and flu medicine increased by almost 20 per cent during the cold snap, while battery, matches and lighter sales were also up, by more than 9 per cent.
Comfort food was also on Kiwi's minds as the weather packed in.
Countdown sold 62 tonnes of pork roasts nationally - the equivalent weight of one million tennis balls - including 17 tonnes sold in the South Island which endured the lowest temperatures.
Chris Fisher, Countdown's general manager of merchandise, said Kiwis were embracing traditional winter fare as the cold weather set in.
"As soon as the chill hits the air, New Zealanders want to wrap up, stay indoors and tend to crave lots of big hearty meals. Our teams across the country are working hard to keep all our shelves well-stocked with Kiwis' favourite winter fare."
