Foodstuffs proposes Rotorua job losses

More than 50 jobs are at stake at supermarket giant Foodstuffs, which plans to move its Auckland and Rotorua distribution centres to a new complex at Auckland International Airport.

The move comes as the company, which owns Pak’n Save, New World and Four Square, outgrows its site in Mt Roskill, Auckland.

Foodstuffs North Island chief executive Chris Quin said the proposal was presented to 51 Rotorua staff members whose jobs would be affected.

‘‘If the proposal does go ahead, we will make every effort to find alternative employment.’’

Auckland distribution workers and head office staff would move from the Roma St site in Mt Roskill to the new facility at the airport’s The Landing business park, with no job losses expected, he said.

The company had been looking at all options to make the Upper North Island operations as efficient as possible and fit-forpurpose for the next 30 years, Quin said. ‘‘Long term, we believe that the best option is to support our Upper North Island stores with one purpose-built [distribution centre].’’

The company also has two distribution centres and a support centre in Palmerston North, as well as a support centre in Wellington.

Construction of the new 65,000-square-metre distribution centre is expected to start later this year, with completion scheduled for late 2020.

Foodstuffs was yet to decide the future of its Mt Roskill site on Roma Rd. However, the company was working closely with interested parties, including the Auckland Council, to determine the best use of the land, Quin said.

‘‘The Mt Roskill site is now considered almost inner city.’’ he said.