The New World Three Parks first birthday ‘grocery grab’ took place this morning (Thursday December 10), with the promotions winner Sue Pihama taking away a cool $1,315.94 in groceries.

Sue, who was randomly drawn from more than 750 entries, is co-owner of Wanaka River Journeys with her husband Brent and has lived in Wanaka for over 35 years.

“It’s been an extremely challenging year,” Sue said. “The lack of international tourism has definitely been a big factor in our challenges.”

Sue said she was thrilled to win the grocery grab, which gave her the chance to spend two minutes in the supermarket, filling her trolley with as much food as possible and taking it all home for free.

New World Three Parks owners Natashia and Dean Bartley with grocery grab winner Sue Pihama (middle).

“I’m just so stoked and especially thrilled to know that Community Networks is going to get the dollar equivalent. I think that is absolutely incredible of Dean and Tash. I’m thrilled to bits.”

Sue started planning for the grocery grab as soon as she heard she’d won. “We came in with a plan to keep it simple.” 

She watched last year's winner video for some idea of what to do.

With the clock ticking, Sue raced around the New World Three Parks store with daughter Leah pushing the shopping trolley in hot pursuit and providing helpful instructions. 

Local Alan Brooks cuts the New World Three Parks birthday cake with staff members Yvonne Binns and Sofie Ruden (right)

Over a minute was spent in the meat department with a sprint across the store to the cheeses, only stopping for some chocolate on the way.

New World Three Parks owner Dean Bartley was the timekeeper and said he was delighted for Sue. 

“It’s great to come to the end of this year and be able to support Community Networks through this promotion,” Dean said. “Sue did a wonderful job.” 

The grocery grab promotion celebrated New World Three Parks first birthday with entry via the ‘win’ section of the Wanaka App.

PHOTOS: Wanaka App