Countdown has opened a new supermarket, anchoring a neighbourhood shopping centre under completion in Taupo South.

The supermarket opened Thursday ahead of the rest of the centre tenants, which include a medical centre, retail stores and eateries.

The new 2300sqm supermarket is a joint investment by Countdown and developer Kokomea Village.

Matt Grainger, Countdown’s director of property, said parent Woolworths Group has operated grocery stores in the central North Island city for more than 60 years.  

“We’re seeing some really incredible growth in Taupo, as more and more people build their lives in this beautiful part of the country. With two-thirds of all growth in the Taupo area projected to happen in Taupo South during the next two decades, we wanted to deliver a supermarket to meet that growth.”

The store has been built incorporating sustainability features including electronic shelf labels to reduce paper use, bike racks for customers and staff, and doors on dairy fridges to help reduce energy use. 

Grainger said Countdown worked hard to ensure the new supermarket reflects the needs of the community. 

“With a curated range of groceries and a fresh, modern look and feel throughout the store – we’re really proud of what we’ve built.”

Countdown will also offer online deliveries from the store, which will allow it to add delivery slots to a wider range of suburbs, especially important through the peak holiday season. 

“We’ve also introduced a purpose-built space so customers can more easily pop in and pick up their orders,” said Grainger.

In an effort to reduce food waste, Countdown Taupo South is partnering with local food-rescue organisation Halo Charitable Trust to divert unsold food that is still good enough to eat to Kiwis in need.