Countdown nearly closes gender wage gap

Countdown TakapunaSupermarket giant Countdown has reduced its gender wage gap to 1.11 per cent and cut carbon emissions by a further 8.8 per cent, according to its latest Corporate Social Responsibility Report, which provided an update on the company’s 2020 goals.

Kiri Hannifin, Countdown’s general manager for corporate affairs and sustainability, said the report is a clear demonstration of the business’s ongoing commitment to its team, sustainability and improving the lives of New Zealanders.

“Our 2020 goals have allowed us to focus our attention really effectively on the areas where we can make a tangible difference for New Zealand and New Zealanders,” Hannifin said.

“Being able to reduce our gender wage gap to 1.11 per cent, phase out single-use plastic carrier bags, further reduce our carbon emissions and donate $6.3 million worth of food to our food rescue partners and local farmers are just some of the fantastic things we have done with the support of our team and customers,” she added.

Countdown also reported removing more than 70 tonnes of plastic from its produce section and sourcing 100 per cent of fresh chicken, lamb and pork, and 97 per cent of fresh beef, from New Zealand farmers.

The supermarket gained White Ribbon accreditation, raised $1.26 million for children’s hospitals through the Countdown Kids Hospital Appeal, increased the number of own-brand products with a Health Star Rating to 82 per cent and increased the number of Countdown own-brand products containing certified timber, pulp or paper to 77 per cent in FY18, up 22 per cent from FY17.

You have 7 articles remaining. Unlock 15 free articles a month, it’s free.