Paddock to Pantry plans $25m expansion to open more than 20 stores
Friday 9 October 2026 · 2 outlets · 2 reports · updated 
Independent grocer Paddock to Pantry intends to open over 20 new stores across New Zealand during a $25 million rollout. The expansion aims to create up to 1,000 jobs and establish the company as the country's third-largest supermarket operator. The first new location is scheduled to open in Kinloch this December.
Key facts
5 facts
- Paddock to Pantry plans to open over 22 stores in five years
- Expansion cost is $25 million
- First new store opening in Kinloch in December 2026
- Company currently operates stores in Karaka and Glenbrook, southern Auckland
- Sales increased by 197% in the 12 months to 31 July 2026
The full story
1 min read · 2 outlets
Independent grocer Paddock to Pantry is launching a $25 million expansion to open more than 22 physical stores across New Zealand over the next five years. The company intends to become the country's third-largest supermarket operator and expects to create up to 1000 new jobs.
The rollout will begin with a 500sqm store in Kinloch, near Taupō, in December 2026. This will be followed by new locations in South Auckland and on the North Island's East Coast during the first quarter of 2027.
The $25 million investment includes $10 million for new retail stores, a proposed 5,000sqm distribution centre, and an expansion of the delivery fleet to 25 vehicles. While e-commerce currently makes up about 90% of sales, this is expected to drop to approximately 33% as the physical network grows.
Business manager John Kennerley said, “Our ambition is to become New Zealand’s third-largest grocery retailer and provide a genuine alternative to the two dominant supermarket groups”. The company is also lobbying the Government to create a Supermarket Growth Fund to provide low-interest, repayable loans to private grocery operators.
Where reports differ
- One report states the expansion involves more than 20 stores, while another specifies more than 22 stores
Compiled from reports by NZ Herald and Stuff.