Hawke’s Bay supermarket workers celebrate 25 years on the job

What started as after-school jobs has turned into 25-year careers with Woolworths for two Hawke’s Bay women.

Good friends Mary Stephenson, of Woolworths Hastings, and Alice Te Tonga, of Woolworths Flaxmere, were recently recognised for 25 years with the company at a celebration in Palmerston North.

Te Tonga started working in retail at 15, while Stephenson began at 16, with neither expecting their part-time high school jobs would turn into long-term careers.

Stephenson is now an availability supervisor, while Te Tonga works in store replenishment and fresh food stock.

For Stephenson, reaching the 25-year milestone holds particular significance following a life-threatening medical crisis in 2013.

After contracting severe pneumonia, her condition rapidly worsened, leading to internal bleeding and an emergency transfer from Hastings Hospital to Auckland in a medically induced coma.

Hospital staff advised her family that life support might need to be turned off, but her partner advocated to keep the machines running.

When Stephenson eventually regained consciousness after more than six weeks, she faced a long road to recovery, including relearning how to walk.

“My workplace really supported me through my recovery,” says Stephenson. “I am forever grateful for that.”

Following 13 weeks off, she was offered a gradual return with part-time hours while she rebuilt her mobility and strength.

“The team and the leaders were so supportive when I nearly lost my life. Reaching 25 years means a lot more to me because of that. It could have been very different.”

Te Tonga said it was a humbling feeling to be at the celebration in Palmerston North alongside so many others who have reached the same milestone.

“It’s an amazing feeling,” Te Tonga said. “It’s pretty unique today to work for an employer for that long, so I am proud of that achievement.”

Across New Zealand, the Woolworths 25 Year Club has 1,875 total members, with 905 active staff members. An elite group of 77 employees have worked for 40 years or more.

Both women have spent their entire 25-year careers in Hawke’s Bay.

Te Tonga’s journey has also evolved into a family affair. Having spent most of her career in Hastings before moving to Flaxmere, her high school son has now followed in her footsteps by taking up a casual role at the same location.

“He really enjoys being able to go to school and work casually at the same time,” Te Tonga said.

“It’s taught him routine, time management, and how to save. If I have any advice for newcomers or people at the start of their careers, it is to work hard and look for opportunities. You never know where your career may take you.”

She added that being involved in opening the Flaxmere store has been a career highlight.

“The community is amazing, they love having a local supermarket out there, and it has been great to bring happiness to this community.”

Reflecting on their journey, both credited strong workplace culture and local relationships for their longevity.

“They’re like family,” Stephenson said of her colleagues. “You never really expect to be working somewhere for that long, but the people make it special.”

Te Tonga agreed: “Mary and I have been good mates over the years. We both feel very privileged for our length of career, but also grateful for all the people who have supported us.”