News and media releases

Customers may have noticed more te reo Māori during their supermarket shop this week but can rest assured it won’t be disappearing on Rātapu.

From today, Countdown stores nationwide are limiting the sale of paracetamol and items containing paracetamol to one pack per customer, following a recent report by coroner David Robinson which recommended a limit be introduced to help reduce the risk of overdose.

Countdown is pleased to announce that work on the brand new Countdown supermarket on Pioneer Highway in Awapuni is about to get underway.

Countdown is launching a new stand-alone retail media business in February next year called Cartology New Zealand.  Cartology will lead and oversee all Countdown’s media space in its current channels, while also exploring new opportunities to help local suppliers better communicate and connect with customers.

Countdown has today announced that Managing Director Natalie Davis will leave the New Zealand business at the end of September, taking up a new role as Managing Director of Woolworths Supermarkets in Australia in October. Her new role will lead Woolworths 995 Australian supermarkets and 115,000 store team members.

Next time you visit your local Countdown supermarket, don’t be surprised to see a giant wētā named Āwhina popping out to say “kia ora” as part of Countdown’s new Super Insects programme.

Countdown has confirmed that following a comprehensive investigation, mice are the likely cause of damaged baby food packaging, and has issued a nationwide recall of impacted brands of baby food pouches sold in Countdown, SuperValue and Fresh Choice stores as a precaution.

Daily media statements

From Monday, none of Countdown’s in-store baked goods will contain artificial colours or flavours after a three-year project to eradicate nasties. 

More than 60 products have been changed in a move Countdown says was sparked by Kiwis’ growing demand for more natural products and a desire to know what’s in their food.

Countdown has today announced plans for a new, updated store in Gisborne, which is expected to be open for locals to enjoy from mid-2021. 

The new, 3,876 sqm store, which will replace the existing Countdown Gisborne, will have an in-store pharmacy, a dedicated online Pick up area and will provide a vibrant and updated Countdown supermarket for the local community.