Hawera supermarket to close doors

CHECKING OUT: New World in Hawera is to be shut down this month, with 53 jobs affected. PHOTO/ZARYD WILSON

New World in Hawera will close this month affecting 53 jobs, supermarket giant Foodstuffs has announced.

Foodstuffs reviewed the need for the supermarket in Hawera and found that the current and projected population of Hawera meant it would become increasingly tough to support three supermarkets in the town.

Hawera also has a Pak'nSave owned by Foodstuffs and a Countdown owned by Progressive Enterprises.

"Our commitment to the region remains strong and Pak'nSave will continue to serve Hawera and the South Taranaki district," Foodstuffs general manager of property development Angela Bull said.

"Closing a store is a decision we don't take lightly, but we believe in this case it's the best decision to ensure we can continue to provide our Hawera customers with a strong Kiwi owned and operated supermarket offering with employment opportunities for the long-term."

Bizlink Hawera co-ordinator Rangi Coleman said the decision to close the store was disappointing but it was a business decision.

"It's always a big deal when you have an organisation of that size close. That's always going to cause some concern," Mr Coleman said.

"It is sad and disappointing."

Mr Coleman said Bizlink would be able to offer some support to the owners.

The 32 full-time staff and 21 part-time staff will be provided with support to find alternative roles at other Foodstuffs stores.

"While I'm disappointed New World Hawera will be closing, I understand the logic behind the very difficult decision Foodstuffs has made," Hawera New World owner Rachel Clayton said.

The store's last day will be August 31.