The South Dunedin supermarket was closed for 18 days in February last year following numerous sightings and captures of rodents. Supermarket giant Woolworths has been fined $33,000 after admitting it failed to control a rat infestation at one of its Dunedin branches. The company was hauled before the courts in December after Woolworths Dunedin South (formerly Countdown) was closed for 18 days in February 2024, following numerous sightings and captures of rodents. Yesterday, the court heard that between October 2023 and February 2024, at the Dunedin South store, rat sightings were reported to management, recorded in the relevant register and a pest control contractor attended. Between October and December there were approximately 112 rat sightings logged in the register.

Source: Otago Daily Times March 27, 2026 02:37 UTC