One week until the South Island’s biggest supermarket opens its doors

The final countdown is on with just one week until the doors open to the South Island’s biggest supermarket, PAK’nSAVE Rolleston. 

The 8,100m² store is humming with activity as the team gets retail ready - deliveries are being received, shelves are being stocked, and training is being completed. 

Specialist departments like the bakery team are perfecting recipes, instore butchers are preparing to serve the freshest cuts and deli teams are primed to make crowd pleasers for the store’s first customers.  

Foodstuffs South Island Chief Executive, Mary Devine, said it’s exciting to see the long-planned project coming to life. 

“The energy is building every day – the team is ready, the store is looking great, and I’m certain Selwyn locals and visitors will love the new PAK’nSAVE experience.  

“PAK’nSAVE isn’t just about delivering New Zealand’s lowest food prices – this is a store that’s built to support the region’s growth, resilience, and readiness for whatever the future holds,” she said.  

After a big recruitment drive, the starting team is around 280 strong, representing a significant boost for Selwyn’s workforce, Devine said. 

When the new supermarket is open, it will have team members on site from early morning until late at night with roles spanning everything from trolley collectors, shelf stackers, checkout operators to logistics experts, butchers and bakers.  

Store owners Phill and Sarah Blackburn say they can’t wait to welcome their first customers. 

“We’ve got a big week ahead,” said Phill Blackburn. “The store is looking incredible, the team is rearing to go, and this time next week we’ll be cutting the ribbon and welcoming people through the doors. 

“We know they’ll be looking for lots of choice and great value and we’ll be ready to provide it with great service to boot.” 

Sarah Blackburn said: “Supermarkets are busy, exciting businesses and the things that excite us the most are bringing our team together and being part of this amazing and fast-growing community. We’ve made some great connections already and we’re looking forward to building on that.” 

PAK’nSAVE Rolleston will open its doors on Tuesday, 14 October 2025.