Business North December / January 2021

| 15 REGIONAL DEVELOPMEN Northland Business Awards - Pak’nSave Whangarei Awards reflect lockdown efforts T Karen Phelps Pak’nSave Whangarei - a big part of the community. T aking out the Vodafone Northland Busi- ness Champion Large Business award this year meant more than usual for Pak’nSave Whangārei. Due to Covid-19, drought and flooding the awards could not be held in their usual format. Instead members of the public were asked to nominate those businesses and business people in their communities who displayed champion qualities such as leader- ship, community-mindedness, innovation and resilience. Finalists were selected on the number of nominations and then an independent panel of judges chose the category winners. Pak’nSave Whangārei owners Lillian and Todd Leathem say they were blown away to not only be nominated in seven categories alongside amazing businesses but to then go on to win. “We’re very grateful to our customers and that they consider us to be champions,” says Lillian. “It’s ultimately a reflection of our team,” says Todd. “Especially during Covid-19 they were all on the frontline in unknown circumstances. It’s recognition of all their hard work.” Pak’nSave Whangārei employs a team of around 320 team members. During lockdown the team members classed as more at risk were stood down on full pay. Others simply didn’t feel comfortable coming to work. This meant the team that remained picked up the pace to deliver the service the public needed during a stressful time. “We had to roll with the punches as things changed, such as regulations. The team stepped up ensuring hygiene and social distancing and kept the community safe,” says Todd with pride. “It also brought everyone in the team together and closer and their skills blossomed.” He says good communication was the key. For example a megaphone was used to keep customers waiting in queues informed and to at times lighten the mood with a joke (“that we wouldn’t run out of toilet paper”). Todd says this meant the atmosphere remained calm. Todd has worked in the industry for over 30 years and the couple have owned Pak’n Save Whangārei for just over three years after pre- viously owning two New World supermarkets. They are both keen supporters of the local “It’s ultimately a reflection of our team. Especially during Covid-19 they were all on the frontline in unknown circumstances. It’s recognition of all their hard work.” community – a fact noted in their award win – donating to charity events, schools and clubs. The couple are also not afraid to get physi- cally involved, for example helping on a chari- ty sausage sizzle or handing out giveaways or picking up litter. They are big supporters of charities, not- for-profit organisations and schools across Northland including Alzheimers Northland, Cancer Society Northland, Sport Northland, Kauri Rugby Team and Hockey Northland. After lockdown, noting many local business were reopening, the store also purchased vouchers from local businesses and gave them away to the public in a competition to encourage people to get out and buy local. Their team is such an important part of their business that their health and wellbeing is the couple’s first priority. They offer staff free boot camps and support them in sports challenges held in the region. Each year they hold a Biggest Loser competition where they help the team with nutrition and lifestyle choices. They also offer a mental health programme with key staff holding St John New Zealand Mental Health First Aid certification. “Our team are our family of 320 and we want to lead by example,” says Lillian, “and keep everyone healthy and happy in the workplace.” “The award win is a true reflection and recognition of our team’s efforts,” adds Todd. “We are only as good as them.” Big Brands partnering with Pak’nSave Whangarei For your Personal Care needs