05 January 2026: Christmas is barely behind us, but Woolworths New Zealand is already in Easter mode, with hot cross buns on shelves nationwide from today.

Back by popular demand, the early return follows strong customer demand, with more than 1.7 million in-store baked buns sold last season alone.

Michael Whorskey, Woolworths Merchandise Manager for Bakery, says the early start reflects consistent customer behaviour rather than any shift in tradition.

"Each year our customers tell us it's never too early for hot cross buns, and the numbers back that up. We sold more than 1.7 million in-store baked units last season, with traditional dried fruit still reigning supreme, so we're responding to what customers clearly want rather than the calendar."

Continuing their partnership with KidsCan, Woolworths will donate five cents from every pack of Woolworths Own hot cross buns sold. In 2025, this contribution totalled more than $85,000 supporting KidsCan's work delivering the necessities like nutritious food and warm clothing for children across Aotearoa.

KidsCan CEO and founder Dame Julie Chapman says the partnership continues to make a meaningful difference for families and schools nationwide.

"Grabbing a packet of hot cross buns from Woolworths is a great way to support KidsCan and the work we do, getting food, clothing and health products to thousands of kids living in hardship across New Zealand. So, go for it – it's only January but buy some buns!"

Customers can find Woolworths Own in-store baked hot cross buns on shelves nationwide from today, through to Easter Sunday, 5 April 2026.

Alongside classic favourites like traditional dried fruit, Chocolate and Brioche, leading the line-up is the Cinnabon Hot Cross Bun. A viral hit in Australia last year, this limited-time drop takes its cues from the iconic cinnamon roll, with a cream cheese-style filling and signature cinnamon hit, giving the seasonal staple a sweet new twist.

More speciality flavours will land as the season rolls on, including a Mudcake-inspired bun and a Cadbury Caramello option.

Woolworths' full 2026 hot cross bun lineup includes: Traditional, Brioche Style Chocolate, Chocolate, Fruitless, Cinnabon, Caramelised Biscuit Filled, Cadbury Caramilk, Mudcake-inspired, Cadbury Caramello, plus the Free From Gluten range in Traditional, Chocolate, and Apple & Cinnamon.

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Contact:
For more information, please contact the Woolworths New Zealand media team:
media@woolworths.co.nz

About Woolworths New Zealand:
Woolworths New Zealand is one of New Zealand's largest employers with 21,000 team members across over 185 supermarkets, distribution centres, processing plants and support offices. Each week we serve over three million customers and work with hundreds of food producers and suppliers throughout Aotearoa. We're committed to delivering New Zealand's best supermarket experiences for customers and team with more value, innovation and accelerated investment in our stores. We're proud to give back to the communities we live and work in, including through the Woolworths Food for Good Foundation. Every year we donate more than $7 million in food, funding and sponsorship to our communities. Woolworths New Zealand is also the franchisor of more than 70 FreshChoice stores, which are locally owned and operated. Woolworths New Zealand is part of Woolworths Group.

About KidsCan:
KidsCan is a New Zealand charity dedicated to helping children affected by poverty to learn, grow and thrive. For more than 15 years, KidsCan has worked with schools and early childhood centres across Aotearoa to provide essential items including food, clothing and health products to children who need them most. KidsCan reaches thousands of children every day, helping to remove barriers to education and wellbeing so children can focus on learning and reaching their potential.