Chemist Warehouse Wairau Valley

Best pharmacist ever! We got vaccinations for our twelve month old, and the pharmacist was amazing! She was so quick that my daughter barely noticed the first two shots until the third one. She used to cry very hard and for much longer, but this time was so much better. The pharmacist was incredibly patient, fantastic with babies, and gave us very clear explanations and instructions.

My partner and I went into Chemist Warehouse Wairau yesterday. My partner asked the pharmacist, Aimee, for nicotine patches. He has used them more than three times before. He was asked an extremely thorough set of questions. When asked if he still smokes, he explained that he does not smoke while using the patches — they help reduce his smoking. He clarified that he doesn’t smoke when he has the patches, which is why he needed them.nnAimee then said she would have to call Quitline because he “needs help” and she wanted to pass his information on to them. My partner said this was unnecessary, that he can quit on his own, and that the patches are what help him stay on track. She refused to give him the patches until she had called Quitline, despite him having used them before.nnI then asked if I could have nicotine patches. She asked for my license and said I had never had them before, which was incorrect — I have. When I told her this, she insisted I hadn’t. I asked her to remove part of my name from my license my second surname and she refused. Then she said, “Oh, it’s there, you’ve had it before at Milford Chemist Warehouse — why don’t you just go there?” Eventually, after about 30 minutes, she processed it.nnThe following day, I had my wisdom teeth removed. My prescription said Ceclor antibiotic. My mum went up to ask for the medication on my behalf. The pharmacist said, “I don’t know what this is, I have to Google it,” which was shocking. How can a pharmacist or the person in charge not know a specific antibiotic? He then suggested we go to another chemist, leaving me in pain immediately post-surgery while my mum and I had to find another pharmacist.nnWe have now had two terrible experiences back-to-back at Chemist Warehouse Wairau. Our usual store is Milford, where we always receive excellent service. I have never been treated like this — it was unprofessional, unnecessary, and the worst pharmacy experience I have ever had. I would not recommend this store to anyone.nnDate of incidents: 27/01/2026 and 28/01/2026

Despite the illusion of having full shelves, the actual popular products are seldom well stocked. I looked for three brands of an item I was after and they were all bare, despite the website saying they have stock. There weren't even any staff around to ask for assistance apart from the one person behind the till serving people, the people behind the pharmacy counter and the security guard. I made the trip to buy the product but came out empty handed - what a waste of time. Disappointing experience.

I had an unpleasant and frustrating experience today that made me not want to return to this pharmacy, all because of the inappropriate behavior of the fundraisers at the door. On October 22nd at 2:30pm, I came in to quickly pick up some medication and a COVID + RSV test for my child, who was running a fever. I was clearly in a rush and stressed, but one of the fundraising men—specifically the tall white man—made a sarcastic and inappropriate comment when he saw what I was holding. He said, “Welcome back, and congratulations!” in a mocking tone. I didn’t engage, but it was extremely disrespectful, especially under the circumstances. I’ve always liked this pharmacy, but I’m seriously reconsidering coming back if I have to deal with that kind of attitude at the door. I can't imagine I’m the only one who has felt uncomfortable or harassed by them.

Served by an unfriendly man at the counter around 2 p.m. on Sunday, 2/11/2025.nWasn't able to catch his name.nHe gave a stern frown and didn’t acknowledge me at all after the purchase, despite me thanking him.nIt's almost as if you guys don't like your customers.nDon't think I'll be coming back again.

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