Rolleston has a new local landmark today, with the South Island’s largest supermarket officially opening its doors. 

At 8,100 square metres and representing a $40+ million investment, PAK’nSAVE Rolleston brings both scale and substance to New Zealand’s fastest-growing district.  

Around 270 people have joined the store’s team, making it one of the largest single employers in Selwyn, two months ahead of the original schedule. 

From the moment doors opened this morning, customers were welcomed with bustling aisles, a bakery churning out its first loaves and speciality donuts, butchers serving fresh cuts, and hot food ready to go. 

Foodstuffs South Island Chief Executive, Mary Devine, said the opening marks the beginning of a new chapter for Selwyn. 

“This is more than a supermarket – it’s a community hub built to last for generations. The scale, resilience, and sustainable design mean Rolleston is well served today, and well prepared for tomorrow,” she said. 

The IL3-standard design, rooftop solar, and back-up generator capability gives greater assurance it can keep operating during and after major events – a first for Selwyn supermarkets. 

The store is owned and operated by Phill and Sarah Blackburn, experienced grocers with a reputation for putting community first.  

The Blackburn’s have over 24 years of grocery experience under their belts, having previously owned and operated PAK’nSAVE Riccarton, New World Ilam, New World Balclutha and Store Manager at New World Wanaka.  

“We’re incredibly proud to welcome our community and customers through the doors today,” said Phill Blackburn. “Our team has worked tirelessly to get ready, and it’s fantastic to finally see all the planning come to fruition.” 

Sarah Blackburn added: “What excites us most is being part of Rolleston’s and Selwyn’s story. This is a fast-growing, vibrant community, and we want people to walk through our doors and feel like this is their supermarket – built for them, by a co-operative that invests in and cares for communities, and with locals on the team.” 

Alongside their engagement with local schools and aligning with the E Tū Tāngata programme, the Blackburn’s have been connecting with the community through the Selwyn District Council, police and iwi, all part of their commitment to being a strong partner from day one.  

PAK’nSAVE Rolleston is now open, 7 days a week from 8am to 10pm. 

Facts and figures  

• 8,100 sqm of Gross Floor Area  
• 4,500 sqm retail space  
• Jobs created - starting team of 270  
• $40+ million investment  
• 485 carparks  
• 8 team member operated checkouts  
• 18 self-service checkouts  
• 60 hand-held scanners for SHOP’nGO  
• Dedicated Click & Collect space  
• Structure designed to IL3 standards  
• Energy-saving technology 
• EV chargers 
• Natural refrigerants 
• Rooftop solar  
• LED lighting  

Building resilience / IL3 Standards  

• Built to meet strict seismic design requirements giving greater assurance the structure can withstand the forces generated by earthquakes  
• Enhanced resilience with stricter building material requirements to withstand earthquake-induced stresses  
• The structure prioritises maintaining the building envelope, even during a seismic event  
• Structure designed to meet stringent foundation requirements, considering factors like soil conditions, liquefaction potential, and ground motion amplification.  
• Increased storage for emergency response support, giving greater assurance it can serve as a local distribution hub during emergencies and adding significant value to the region’s readiness and response capacity.