MEDIA RELEASE
23 February 2011

Countdown Supermarkets - Christchurch Earthquake Update #4

The operations of Countdown Supermarkets remain disrupted following the
Christchurch earthquake. Countdown is working hard to open as many
stores as soon as possible but the safety of our customers and team
members remains our first priority.

Countdown stores currently trading include:

* Countdown Avonhead
* Countdown Kaiapoi
* Countdown Northwood
* Countdown Hornby
* Countdown Rangiora
* Countdown Ashburton
* Countdown Church Corner
* Countdown Northlands

Countdown stores currently closed include:

* Countdown Bush Inn

* Countdown Colombo Street
* Countdown Eastgate
* Countdown Ferrymead
* Countdown Moorhouse
* Countdown New Brighton

We anticipate opening Countdown Moorhouse and Countdown Bush Inn on
Thursday. Online shopping services in the Christchurch area remain
suspended until further notice.

Food Supplies, Stock & Logistics
There has minimal structural impact on our distribution centres.
However, due to reduced staff levels there may be some delays in sending
stock to stores. We expect this to improve with each day.

Supplies of essential items are being prioritised for stores in the
Christchurch area. Water is in high demand and additional supplies are
en-route from the North Island. Bread is currently in short supply in
some stores.

We would like to ask our customers to please be patient as we endeavour
to re-stock our stores.

Community Response
Countdown will once again be supporting the Salvation Army Canterbury
Earthquake Appeal. Customers can contribute donations to the appeal at
any Countdown, Woolworths, Foodtown, SuperValue or FreshChoice store
throughout New Zealand.

In addition, Woolworths Limited will be accepting donations through all
Woolworths supermarkets and Dick Smith stores in Australia. Progressive
Enterprises is part of the Woolworths Limited group.

The next update on Countdown's operations will be made tomorrow. The
latest list of store openings will be available on the Countdown website
at www.countdown.co.nz .

# Ends

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