PAK’nSAVE has celebrated the store teams behind New Zealand’s lowest food prices, at its 2026 PAK’nSAVE Awards.

Foodstuffs North Island’s annual awards recognise the people and teams who bring the PAK’nSAVE promise to life every day – from keeping the shelves full and prices sharp, to delivering fresh food, great customer experiences and innovative ways to make grocery shopping easier for New Zealanders.

This year’s winners showcased excellence right across the store, with PAK’nSAVE Tamatea taking out the Store of the Year award.

The Tamatea team was recognised for delivering the full PAK’nSAVE package: a bright, clean and welcoming store, strong retail execution and an energetic customer experience. Judges also highlighted the team’s standout ‘All Stars’ culture, strong local connections and the pride they take in serving their community.

“Winning Store of the Year is a huge achievement and a fantastic reflection of the people who make Tamatea such a special store,” said PAK’nSAVE Tamatea owner operator Andrew Graney.

Foodstuffs North Island Head of PAK’nSAVE Merih Boz said: “These awards are about recognising the everyday legends behind PAK’nSAVE. The teams who turn up early, make the big retail calls, keep prices sharp, fill the shelves, serve fresh food and create great experiences for customers.”

Across the other categories, store teams were recognised for outstanding performance in everything from produce and butchery to eCommerce, checkouts and grocery.

PAK’nSAVE Mt Albert was named Best Cheap As store, for putting value at the heart of everything it does, while making significant gains in productivity and customer experience.

In the Fresh category, PAK’nSAVE Tamatea won the award for Best Bakery, with judges praising its quality, range, execution and strong commercial discipline.

PAK’nSAVE Wairau Road was named Best Butchery, for creating a diverse, customer-focused range spanning everyday cuts, great value, and small goods and ethnic options, alongside sharp pricing and standout presentation.

PAK’nSAVE Cameron Road took home the awards for Best Produce and Best Deli. Its Produce team was recognised for creating a vibrant, market-style destination with strong customer feedback and sales growth, while the Deli team impressed with fresh, generous and convenient meal solutions.

PAK’nSAVE Albany also took home two awards – Best Seafood and Best eCommerce. Its Seafood team delivered an outstanding range and presentation tailored to local customers, while its eCommerce team was the first in the group to exceed 2000 orders in a single week.

PAK’nSAVE Kāpiti received the award for Best Checkouts, for its fast, friendly and customer-focused service, all while navigating a major store refurbishment. 

PAK’nSAVE Palmerston North took out Best Dry Grocery, for strong availability, eye-catching displays, clear pricing and disciplined inventory and productivity performance, all during a store refurbishment. 

The 2026 PAK’nSAVE Award winners are: 

• PAK’nSAVE Store of the Year: Tamatea Finalists: Albany, Cameron Road
• Best Cheap As Store: Mt Albert Finalists: Albany, Kāpiti, Te Awamutu

• Best Bakery: Tamatea Finalists: Wairau Road, Warkworth
• Best Butchery: Wairau Road Finalists: Cameron Road, Tamatea, Te Awamutu
• Best Produce: Cameron Road Finalists: Palmerston North, Wairau Road
• Best Deli: Cameron Road Finalists: New Plymouth, Tamatea
• Best Seafood: Albany Finalists: Mt Albert, Wairau Road
• Best eCommerce: Albany Finalists: Glen Innes, New Plymouth
• Best Checkouts: Kāpiti Finalists: Mt Albert, Upper Hutt
• Best Dry Grocery: Palmerston North Finalists: Albany, Te Awamutu.

“Every one of these teams has something to celebrate,” said Mr Boz.  

“They’re constantly looking for ways to get better – whether that’s making the shopping experience easier for customers, improving productivity, delivering an even stronger fresh offer or finding new ways to provide great value. 

“We’re incredibly proud of all our finalists and winners, and grateful for the energy, commitment and passion they bring to PAK’nSAVE. Congratulations to all our 2026 winners – you’ve truly led the PAK.”