Pak 'n Save single-use plastic bag listed on Trade Me as 'memorabilia'
Friday, 4 January 2019
A Pak 'n Save single-use plastic bag is up for grabs on Trade Me, following the discontinuation of the 'iconic yellow plastic bag' on January 1.
The bag, described as 'more endangered and at risk than many native species', was listed following Foodstuffs' decision to discontinue single-use plastic bags at the checkout in 2019, six months earlier than the Government imposed ban starting on July 1.
Up until this year, Pak 'n Save's single-use plastic bags cost 10c for North Island customers and 5c for South Island customers.
The savvy seller said the auction was 'a unique opportunity to acquire a piece of New Zealand history' and 'a rare chance for you to snatch up a piece of immaculate memorabilia'.
**READ MORE:
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The seller noted it was a reluctant sale due to 'receiving an upgraded version of the same item'.
The auction's photos included the front and back side of the bag, and a close up of its barcode to 'verify the authenticity of the item'.
As of Friday afternoon, the reserve had been met after three bids. The leading bid on Friday evening was at $2, meaning its value had already increased by at least 1,900 and 3,900 per cent for North and South Island residents respectively.
The page had around 2,600 views and 57 people had added it to their watch list.
'I hope this brings as much happiness to your family as it did mine.'
A potential buyer, who required more information before committing to a bid, asked for the bag's dimensions and if there were any holes.
The Nelson-based seller responded, confirming the bag was 55 centimetres by 29cm, and contained only three holes.
Trade Me spokesperson Millie Silvester said the site loved to see current events being 'moulded into' an auction.
'We see our members jump on big trends like this all the time - they're awesome at creating a tongue-in-cheek listing that captures what's going on in New Zealand.'
This isn't the first time an auction had been inspired by the plastic bag ban. In August last year, an Auckland resident listed 200 single-use plastic bags in attempt to help Kiwis survive 'Bag-Ageddon'. It gained 59,400 views and the lot eventually sold for $101.
'Love it or hate it, you have to admit the seller has provoked more discussion around the phasing out of single-use plastic bags and we salute their creativity,' Silvester said.
Other tongue-in-cheek listings include the New Zealand school curriculum listed by an Invercargill principal, the 'rare phenomenon' of a British and Irish Lions Rugby try, 'vintage' Pascall Sparkles lollies and 'the last' Girl Guide biscuit.
Foodstuffs' brands Pak 'n Save, New World and Four Square stopped selling single-use plastic bags on January 1. Opposition brand Countdown began the transition to re-usable bags in October last year.