Whakatāne Checkout Operator Wins Regional Title

Teri Rangi wins first place for the Tauranga Regional Checkout Operator of the Year competition. Photo: Supplied

The Foodstuffs competition is now in its 77th year and sees competitors from New World, Four Square, Gilmours and PAK'nSAVE go head-to-head.

Rangi says around five checkouts are set up on stage, and operators are judged on their scanning speed and customer service.

“There’s a judge in front of you as your customer and another at the end watching how you scan—where you place products, making sure you separate your smellies from your food items and all that sort of stuff—and they’re also timing you,” she says.

She says customer interaction is where most of the points are earned.

“You might be the fastest, but if your customer service is lacking, that doesn’t mean you’re in.”

Rangi says being a top checkout operator means being able to read the room.

“You can tell those ones that don’t want to engage—that’s fine.”

She says it’s not her first time competing in the regional champs and jokes that now she’s won first place, she’ll be retiring.

Ten regional champs have been selected from across the North Island. Each winner will now be visited by a mystery shopper to help decide who will be crowned Checkout Operator of the Year at the Foodstuffs North Island Excellence Awards in June 2026.

Rangi says if you like talking to people, checkout operating is one of the easiest jobs you can do.

“If you can talk people’s ears off, you’ll be fine.”