A horde of customers crowded the front doors of Rotorua's newest supermarket for its official opening.
Rotorua mayor Steve Chadwick and MP Todd McClay cut the ribbon at Countdown Fairy Springs' entrance yesterday before it was opened to the public.
Selwyn School's kapa haka group performed for the crowd as part of the opening ceremony.
Mrs Chadwick said the building of a new supermarket was a "vote of confidence" for Rotorua.
"This supermarket has provided 85 new jobs which is fantastic for our community and is just one of many exciting things we are seeing happen around our city.
"This is an outstanding state-of-the-art store that will undoubtedly set a new benchmark in supermarket retailing. It also extends the choice on offer to our community, and to the millions of visitors who come to Rotorua every year," she said.
Mr McClay said it was encouraging Rotorua was continuing to attract big investment to the city.
Image 1 of 5: Selwyn School performed at the opening. Photo/Ben Fraser
"This development means more jobs for local people and is another sign that Rotorua's economy has turned a corner.
"Thanks to high visitor numbers and strong export markets, the local economy is experiencing strong growth. This investment by Countdown shows confidence in Rotorua as a good place to do business."
Fairy Springs residents Lillie and Peter Neal said the new supermarket would "for the most part" become their new local.
"I'll still do the main shop in town but this will be great if we need to pick up a couple of ingredients for dinner or grab something before heading out," Mr Neal said.
"I'd say it will be a 50/50 split between our usual grocery store and this new one."
Mrs Neal said she was excited for the supermarket to open as she thought it would be great for property values on that side of the city.
Countdown store manager Steve Green said the support from the community had not gone unnoticed.
"When we started this project we had three missions - get the best team, the best service and the best community. We've nailed all three. We would not have been able to do this without the support from our community and we have found some real superstars to join our team."
As part of the opening ceremony Mr Green donated a trolley full of groceries to the Salvation Army Foodbank.