Shopping will become a major preoccupation for all of us over the next month. Here are some tips on shopping safely and smartly.

This information was up to date at 9pm, Wednesday 25 March.

Pukerua Bay store

This is still open daily from 10am – 7pm. They have good stocks of all the basics they normally carry.

There is only one person allowed in the store at a time. They will take cash but prefer eftpos (no credit card).

Duval at the store says he is happy to take orders over the phone and if he has the time will bag them up for people to collect later and pay. He might be able to get some items in for you – just ask. This is for people who are not able to get to the supermarket. Their phone number is 239 9140

Supermarkets

New World Paramata is open 9.00am–7.00pm each day. (Changed from normal hours)

Pack’nSave Porirua is open 7.00am–11.00pm.

Safe shopping recommendations

Nominate a family member to shop – to comply with physical distancing recommendations, and to ensure there is a steady flow of traffic in and out of stores within their ‘one in, one out’ system, they are asking people who shop in person to please shop alone. This is to ensure the number of people in-store at any one time is kept to a minimum.

Contactless payments – they encourage customers to use contactless payments such as PayWave as another way of reducing contact between customers and staff.

Shop online (where available) – they have introduced contactless online shopping delivery for customers who are self-isolating, vulnerable or unwell – customers should let the team know in the comments section when the order is placed. If you are feeling unwell, please do not come to the store to collect your Click & Collect order and to instead arrange a friend or family member to pick up your groceries for you.

New World iShop:

Pack your own bags – New World will be doing this as a staff protection measure, but please ask for help if you need assistance to pack your groceries.

#shopnormal – do not stockpile groceries; this is so everyone has a fair shot at buying their grocery essentials. When someone buys five packs of toilet paper, and they only need one, they are taking away from four other people who may have needed it. Some customers might not have the resources to buy up or the ability to visit the store every day. Please buy what you need and be fair to others.

Countdown All Countdown supermarkets are open 9.00am–8.00pm. They have placed a temporary limit of two similar items per customer shopping visit across their store and online shopping service, with the exception of Produce & Serviced Deli. That means you will only be able to buy a maximum of two packs of toilet paper, two packs of mince, two packets of chicken, etc. All deliveries are contactless.

myCountdown:

Petrol stations

Service stations and truck stops are considered essential services and will stay open to support New Zealanders. Both Z Energy and BP have smartphone apps you can use to pay for fuel at the pump. You can also order a coffee with them.

Z Energy Z is implementing strict controls to minimise contact with their staff. These include operating a locked door policy and accepting payment through the night window. You will still be able to purchase supplies from the store and these will be passed through the window to you. You will also be able to use Pay at Pump.

Z App:

BP Under Level Three and Level Four of the COVID-19 alert system, BP Connect sites will operate under closed-door operations. This means customers are not able to enter the shop, however, they can continue to purchase fuel and shop items as normal. Carwashes are closed. BP truck stops will remain open during this time as per normal.

BPMe:

Pharmacies

Mana Pharmacy They will be open all throughout the lockdown. There is still a big demand for prescriptions so there is still a 2-hour delay for urgent prescriptions and if something is not urgent, leave it for another day. Please don’t wait at the pharmacy.

There are strict limits on who is allowed into the pharmacy. If you are waiting to be attended, please maintain the two-metre social distance.

They have received stock of flu vaccines. They will be making appointments for these so that people are not waiting. Please phone them on 04 2330800 to make an appointment. They are vaccinating those over 65 and with eligible conditions.