New World Ōpōtiki recently celebrated the achievements of its team at its annual Staff Awards Night, recognising outstanding performances while highlighting the store’s ongoing commitment to developing its people.

Held at the Ōpōtiki Sports Club, the event has become a yearly tradition since first being introduced in 2020, bringing together staff, family and supporters to celebrate both professional and personal achievements.

Store manager Stacey Andrew said the evening was one of the highlights of the year.

“Being a seven-day business means it's not often we get to have our whole team together.

“Our annual Staff Awards Night is a chance to recognise the hard work, dedication and passion that every single member of our team brings to the store each day.”

Andrew said while only a handful of team members received awards, the evening celebrated the contribution of the entire team.

“We’re incredibly lucky to have such an amazing team behind us.

“It truly takes all 106 team members to make our local store fizz from open to close, Monday through to Sunday.”

She said the awards were about much more than individual recognition.

“The event gives our team an opportunity to come together as a community and celebrate the people who have experienced not just professional growth but also personal achievement.

“It’s a reminder that our success is built on the efforts of the whole team.”

The evening recognised excellence across a range of categories, including customer service, leadership, teamwork and innovation, while also acknowledging the values of service and community that underpin the business.

With 89 percent of staff attending, colleagues, family members and supporters gathered to celebrate achievements and share in one another's success.

Andrew said one of the special aspects of the event was the volunteer committee that plans the evening each year.

“Our awards night is organised by a committee of volunteer staff on behalf of their peers and our store owners.

“It gives them the opportunity to build valuable skills in areas like budgeting, event management, communication, contingency planning and co-ordination.

“It’s another platform that helps our people learn, develop confidence and prepare themselves for future leadership opportunities, both within the business and out in the community.”

Award recipients are selected by peers, management or the store owners, depending on the category.

Long-service milestones were also recognised during the evening, celebrating the loyalty and commitment of staff to the New World brand.

Five years of service were celebrated by Kristopher Hiller, Kristine Hiller and Margaret Gaudin, while Kelly Ward and Stacey Andrew were recognised for 10 years’ service.

Hinerangi Collier was acknowledged for an outstanding 20 years with the New World brand.

The celebrations followed another successful month for the store, with team member Te Awaitaia Rolls recently being named Butchery Apprentice of the Year at the Foodstuffs North Island Graduation and Excellence Awards.

Andrew also acknowledged the continued support of the community.

“To our customers, both local and from out of town, thank you.

“Your support, feedback and encouragement have contributed to our people's success.

“You’ve given us the opportunity to keep striving for retail excellence, continue investing in our people and our store, and maintain our desire to be part of our community's aspirations.

“A huge mihi from all of us at New World Ōpōtiki.”