A Tauranga checkout operator will be facing off with other checkers in Foodstuffs North Island's 74th annual Checker of the Year competition.

New World Brookfield's Hayley Bell won the Bay of Plenty heats, meaning she will now go on to compete against the winners of the nine other regional heats.

New World Gate Pa's Jess McLeod came in second in the Bay of Plenty finals, while Vicky Patel from New World Westend took out third place.

The competition sees top checkout operators from local stores compete on stage while being judged by a team of senior Foodstuffs staff, says Foodstuffs North Island retail general manager Morgan McCann.

'Checkers are assessed on their speed, presentation, customer service and accuracy as they scan 30 items as quickly as possible, while also staying friendly and composed.

'Checkout operators are the face of Foodstuffs North Island's business, and this event is an opportunity to recognise and appreciate the contribution they make to the customer experience every day.”

Morgan says the Bay of Plenty event was held at Tauranga's Baycourt Community & Arts Centre, where 81 checkout operators from 14 local supermarkets were put to the test.

'Each regional winner will be mystery shopped later this year to determine the overall North Island Checker of the Year winner and two runners-up, which will be announced in February 2023.”

Stores participating in Bay of Plenty event

-New World Kawerau

-New World Brookfield

-PAK'nSAVE Papamoa

-Four Square The Lakes

-New World Mount Maunganui

-New World Opotiki

-PAK'nSAVE Rotorua

-PAK'nSAVE Whakatane

-New World Whakatane

-New World Whangamata

-PAK'nSAVE Tauranga

-New World Gate Pa

-PAK'nSAVE Tauriko

-New World Westend