Does Palmerston North need four McDonald's?

Golden arches are popular in the city of Palmerston North, with construction underway for a fourth McDonald's branch in the area.

By Sammy Carter of RNZ

Locals on social media were debating whether a fourth McDonald's was necessary and healthy.

Some backed the new branch, which would offer more jobs for the city.

In an unscientific test, RNZ searched for towns of about the same population as Palmerston North and checked how many McDonald's they each had.

New Plymouth and Hastings each had one branch, while nearby in Napier and Havelock North branches could also be found.

Tauranga, which had a larger population, had three.

Palmerston North also had four Subways, three Dominoes, and two Burger Kings, Pizza Hutts, and KFCs.

Despite the online debate, the restaurant was given resource consent in February, met by just three opposing submissions from neighbouring homes concerned mainly about noise.

Nutritionist and author Claire Turnbull said it was a real shame a fourth branch was opening.

"We need more access to healthier food alternatives rather than adding another place to access food that we need to be having, for most people, less of.

"I think all fast-food outlets have a responsibility, but unfortunately, that's just not the way that the business life works."

Palmerston North had three McDonald's in the inner city, on Fergusson St, Rangitikei St, and in the Plaza Mall.

All three locations were within about 1km of each other.

The new location in Awapuni was about a 10-minute drive from the other branches.

Turnbull explained how a community's food environment could affect eating habits.

"The easier it is to access food that is quick and convenient and low cost is going to drive people to make those choices."

However, she did not point the finger at just McDonald's, saying this was a larger problem than one fast-food brand.

"With every fast-food chain, whatever brand it is that goes in somewhere, it's making it harder for people to make healthier choices every day."

She encouraged locals to "talk with your money".

Palmerston North City councillor Leonie Hapeta was in full support of another McDonald's opening.

"I just think it's perfect for that end of town that needs another supermarket and definitely needs another McDonald's."

A shopping centre was originally planned for the empty site in the suburb of Awapuni.

Hapeta believed it was an added attraction, so locals didn't have to travel to the inner city to go to McDonald's.

When it came to locals who felt a fourth McDonald's was unhealthy, Hapeta said they were "naysayers".

With the racecourse in Awapuni, she believed it would bring good economic activity to the suburb.

"I just think it's exactly what should be happening at that end of the city."

She also believed it was a great opportunity for jobs.

An earlier hearing panel was told it would create jobs for 90 people, both full-time and part-time.

The chain would by open seven days a week from 6am to 11pm, having withdrawn an earlier proposal to run 24/7.

General president of Massey University's student association, Takunda Mabonga said it would be great for students.

"Well, I didn't want to throw Palmy under the bus. But apart from going to Maccas, ya know, there's not really too much else you can do."

"You can never have too many McDonald's, that's what I think."

He appreciated having public spaces for students to socialise – particularly where there was free wi-fi.

"This opens up a window of opportunity for students to hang out, connect."

A McDonald's spokesperson said the public was notified of the consent process, which saw limited engagement from the local community.

"This is the first new Macca's in Palmerston North in over 15 years, and the location reflects growth and changing dynamics in the region over that period."

They said the Awapuni restaurant was just one of a number of new McDonald's restaurants opening around the country this year, with investment totalling tens of millions of dollars, and creating hundreds of new jobs.

The spokesperson said the social media debates reflected a "pretty typical social media thread, with comments ranging from excitement and support, through to some people who aren't fans of the Golden Arches".

"We've just celebrated 50 years of operating in New Zealand, with the first Palmerston North restaurant opening in 1994, and our franchisees are proud of the positive impact they have in the communities in which they live and operate."