News and media releases

Eight-year-old Liviela (Liv) Ulunga loves being at home sharing time with her family around the dinner table – it’s her happy place. But Liv, the face of this year’s Countdown Kids Hospital Appeal, often misses out on this special time at home because she was born with a hole in her heart which has led to ongoing health issues. She has spent years living in and out of Kidz First Children’s Hospital receiving treatment.

The Countdown Kids Hospital Appeal kicks off today and raises money for much-needed medical equipment in 11 children’s wards in hospitals across the country. Thousands of Kiwi kids visit these hospital wards each year, and this year’s Appeal aims to raise more than $1 million to help those in need.

Countdown is supporting a Women’s Refuge initiative that allows visitors to its website to access ‘The Shielded Site’, a portal enabling victims of family violence to safely seek help and access critical information without fear of detection.

The Salvation Army’s Whangarei foodbank is set to open an extra day each week thanks to a $15,000 donation from Countdown. The much-needed financial boost will bring the foodbank’s operating days from four to five, a move the Salvation Army says is needed to meet rising demand in the community.

The Salvation Army National Secretary for Social Services, Major Pamela Waugh says the foodbank is facing increased pressure due to people returning to Whangarei from Auckland, as well as rising living costs affecting existing local individuals and families.

Today is International Lamington Day, and Kiwis have devoured thousands of the sweet treat over the past four weeks to raise money for Alzheimers New Zealand.

It’s a little-known fact that while the origin of the pavlova has been a long-standing battle between New Zealand and Australia, lamingtons also have a controversial history between the two nations.

The much anticipated Countdown Glenfield officially re-opened this morning after an extensive six month refurbishment. The $8 million refurbishment includes an expansive new fresh produce department, a dedicated health food section, and the latest energy efficient fittings and equipment.

Countdown has issued a voluntary recall of Select Fruit & Seeds Museli sold in Countdown, Fresh Choice and SuperValue stores nationwide.

Kiwis are expected to eat more than 380,000 lamingtons over the next four weeks to raise money for Alzheimers New Zealand. From Monday 26 June until Sunday 23 July, 20 cents from each six pack of lamingtons purchased from Countdown will be donated to the charity.

It’s a little-known fact that while the origin of the pavlova has been a long-standing battle between New Zealand and Australia, lamingtons also have a controversial history between the two nations.

Countdown’s Food Rescue programme won the Business Leadership category at last night’s Green Ribbon Awards, run by the Ministry for the Environment.  The awards recognise the outstanding contributions made by individuals, organisations, businesses and communities to protect and enhance New Zealand’s environment.

Hundreds lined up this morning to be one of the first through the doors of Ashburton’s newest supermarket. The store was officially opened by Mayor Donna Favel, and has created 68 new jobs in the local community.

New research has highlighted a huge gap in New Zealanders’ understanding of the role foodbanks play in the community, including what triggers the need for help.

The research, conducted ahead of Countdown’s Winter Appeal to help stock The Salvation Army’s foodbanks this winter, aims to better understand attitudes and perceptions of foodbanks and the people who use them.