News and media releases

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.

Last night at the Annual PRINZ Gala Awards Dinner, Countdown won the award in the internal communications category for its hugely successful launch of Workplace by Facebook.   

Countdown was the first business in New Zealand to adopt Facebook’s innovative internal communications tool which is designed to make it easier for our people to connect, and that is exactly what it has done for more than 8800 of our store team who have joined so far.

Countdown has today launched a new transgender transitioning policy aimed at supporting transitioning team members across the country.

The policy outlines Countdown's responsibilities as an employer and commitment to providing an inclusive environment, as well as the practical assistance available to team members who are transitioning genders.  It is underpinned with information and support for managers to ensure transitioning team members feel comfortable, can be themselves and perform at their best while at work.