New World Havelock North Opens

23 July 2024

Owner Operator of New World Havelock North, Richard Lucas with wife Andrea and their children Sam and Claire.

New World Havelock North by the numbers:

• New 3,000sqm store
• $27m investment
• 143 carparks
• 25+ new roles created

Targeted to become Foodstuffs North Island’s first 4 Star Green Star store Foodstuffs North Island, the 100% New Zealand owned and operated co-operative, has today opened its new New World Havelock North supermarket, providing a modern and ‘greener’ shopping experience for the thriving Hawke’s Bay town.

The new store on Havelock Road in the centre of the Havelock North village is targeted to become the first Foodstuffs North Island supermarket to be given a 4 Star Green Star rating, due to its sustainable design elements such as its laminated timber beams, efficient heating, advanced energy monitoring and increased natural light.

New World Havelock North is owned and operated by Richard Lucas, who has owned the former New World store for 10 years and lived in Havelock North for 47 years. Lucas is a second-generation grocer whose father previously owned New World Hastings.

Lucas describes the new store as a "game changer" for the people of Havelock North and the wider Hawke’s Bay.

“It’s an exciting day to see everything come together! The store’s going to provide a modern and enjoyable shopping experience for everyone. Whether you’re doing your main shop, topping up, looking for value and everyday essentials or wanting a treat, there’s something for everyone” says Lucas.

“As well as having over 25,000 products available, the new store also features a juice bar offering cold-pressed juice, gelato, sushi, lunch options, and a rotisserie chicken oven.”

“Our team is growing too, with at least 25 new members, including two talented baristas and two full-time chefs, along with four additional bakers and a dedicated pastry chef,” says Lucas.

Foodstuffs North Island Chief Executive, Chris Quin, says New World Havelock North is looking to raise the bar in terms of being a greener and more sustainable supermarket build while delivering great value for customers.

“A lot of planning and effort has gone into this build, and we couldn’t be happier with the result,” says Quin.

“From the outset, we’ve focused on living up to Foodstuffs’ commitment to be leaders in sustainability, incorporating building materials with a lower carbon footprint and greater end-of-life considerations, more waste minimisation features and readiness for switching to solar, when feasible.”

“We’ve also worked closely with the local council to improve access for shoppers using public transport and the local cycleway. Carpark access from three entrances will minimise congestion too.”

Foodstuffs North Island is a co-op of 320 local grocers who individually own and operate each of the New World, PAK’nSAVE and Four Square store in the North Island. The co-operative employs over 24,000 people across the North Island.

New World Havelock North is Foodstuffs North Island’s first new store to open in 2024, with the co-op investing around $100 million in property upgrades every year, and another two New Worlds in the pipeline with Auckland’s Mount Albert due to reopen in October and Pāpāmoa’s ‘The Sands’ in November.

New World Havelock North is open seven days a week from 7am to 9pm.