Grocery shortages are starting to bite at some supermarkets in Dunedin.
Empty shelves at Mailer Street Countdown in Dunedin. Photo: RNZ / Tim Brown
RNZ has heard reports of toilet paper being cleaned out at some supermarkets and has verified that is the case at Countdown Mailer Street, while bread stocks have taken a hit at Countdown Dunedin South.
Shopper behaviour witnessed by RNZ is not problematic and cannot be described as panic-buying, so it is unclear why stocks of some essentials have been so hard hit.
There are queues at many of the city's larger supermarkets, but all are operating under reduced capacity limits.
Plenty of toilet paper at Countdown Dunedin South, but bread is cleaned out. Photo: RNZ / Tim Brown
Countdown would not address specific product shortages, saying "this tends not to be helpful", but a statement attributed to Countdown corporate affairs, safety and sustainability general manager Kiri Hannifin said they were working to fill gaps.
"We're really proud of the way our team has dealt with the increased demand we've seen in stores over the last 48 hours," the statement said.
"There will be a few gaps on shelves, but our store and supply chain teams are working to quickly reorder and restock what is needed and we've had huge support from our transport carriers and suppliers to help get food around the country quickly for our customers."
Foodstuffs head of corporate affairs Antoinette Laird said there was plenty of product to go around.
"Toilet paper, like all essential items, is in good supply as long as customers #shopnormal and don't stockpile which puts undue stress on the supply chain network.
"Our ask of customers continues to be shop as you would normally shop - this is the best way to ensure there is enough to go round."
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