Woolworths doubled its Mini Woolies programme in Aotearoa New Zealand. Credit: Karolis Kavolelis / Shutterstock.

Australian supermarket chain Woolworths has expanded its Mini Woolies programme in Aotearoa New Zealand, with the launch of two new stores.

These stores are situated at Wairau Valley Special School and Sir Keith Park Special School in Tāmaki Makarau Auckland.

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The initiative was celebrated with the presence of East Coast Bays MP Hon Erica Stanford at the Wairau Valley opening.

The opening was also attended by MPs Cameron Brewer (National, Upper Harbour) and Laura Trask (ACT, List).

The Mini Woolies concept integrates a supermarket environment into schools to provide practical learning experiences for students with disabilities.

The programme focuses on imparting literacy, numeracy, and communication skills through interactive activities within a mini-supermarket setting.

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Woolworths Group enterprise operations and Mini Woolies general manager Sarah Corey said: “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.”

Since its inception in 2018, the Mini Woolies programme has reached more than 6,200 students across Australia and now extends to New Zealand.

The recent store openings at Wairau Valley Special School and Sir Keith Park School are the 83rd and 84th installations of the initiative.

Wairau Valley Special School principal Natalie Todd said: “We are excited to be part of Mini Woolies as it gives our ākonga (students) relevant, practical and hands-on experiences. They will build valuable skills such as managing stock and customer service, fostering a sense of responsibility and independence, and they’ll extend their literacy, numeracy and communication skills.”

The expansion of Mini Woolies continues as Woolworths recently inaugurated a store at St Giles’ Launceston facility in Australia, marking its 80th location across both countries.

In March, Woolworths expanded its Mini Woolies programme to the Northern Territory, inaugurating a new site at Henbury School in Tiwi.