More than 200 supermarket workers in Christchurch have lost their jobs because the New World supermarkets at Redcliffs and St Martins in Christchurch will not reopen after last week's devastating earthquake.

Woolworths Australia yesterday posted a 4.8% increase for its Woolworths, Countdown and Foodtown New Zealand supermarkets.

The ASX-listed company's first quarter results, to October 4, shows sales of $NZ1.3 billion for the company's New Zealand supermarkets and comparable sales of 4.5%, indicating a positive response to its new formats, improved ranging, private label and stock improvements, it said.