4 September 2025: Woolworths’ Mini Woolies programme has come to Te Wai Pounamu, with new sites opening at Pitau-Allenvale School in Christchurch and Waitaha School in Rolleston.

Mini Woolies gives practical learning experiences to young people with disabilities by bringing a mini-supermarket into an educational setting

The Pītau-Allenvale opening featured a ‘Mini Woolies Freestyle’ rap from 20 year old Joe Esera (AKA Seff) including the lyrics “We got the skills that we need to proceed, that’s why I got Woolies with me!” and “talk to the customer, that’s me - scan that product, all me - manage that stock, work in a team, no-one ain’t stoppin’ me!”

“Students fill their baskets with real groceries, using a real cash register with software provided by Fujitsu to make transactions (but not with real money). They can create shopping lists, provide customer service, and even use Mini Woolies products in classroom activities. Mini Woolies helps students develop confidence, independence and connection with their local community,” said Sarah Corey, General Manager, Domain Enablement Group and Mini Woolies for Woolworths Group.

For Woolworths New Zealand, Managing Director Sally Copland said “we’re thrilled to be bringing Mini Woolies to the South Island. I’ve seen the excitement and engagement that Mini Woolies creates for young people and how it helps them build confidence and achieve their goals. Investing in New Zealand isn’t just about our products, stores, price or convenience, it’s also about the difference we can make in the communities where our millions of kiwi customers live and shop.”

Since its 2018 launch, more than 8,200 students with disabilities have been through Mini Woolies, which are now in every state and territory in Australia and in New Zealand. These are the fifth and sixth Mini Woolies in New Zealand and the 106th and 107th Mini Woolies sites to be opened overall.

“Whether they’re bagging their first solo shop or stocking up on work experience skills, this will be a life-skills goldmine,” said Pītau-Allenvale School Principal Janine Harrington.

“Students have told me they’re looking forward to the Mini Woolies opening and excited to use the checkout. One told me they can’t wait for a name tag, uniform and working together as a team, it will make them feel happy. I think their smiles say it all.”

Waitaha School Principal Maureen Allan said the school is proud to be hosting a Mini Woolies site.

“Through Mini Woolies our young people will gain valuable experience in areas such as customer service, handling money, teamwork, and communication - skills that will support them in future employment and community life. For our younger learners, practising shopping will build confidence and independence that will benefit them well beyond the classroom.”