Sydney-based Krispy Kreme chief executive Andrew McGuigan is excited to bring the franchise to New Zealand.

Kiwis will get their first taste of Krispy Kreme doughnuts next year.

The global doughnut company's first New Zealand store is expected to open in Manukau, south Auckland, in March next year.

Construction of its retail store and manufacturing facility is underway as part of an $8 million development on a 2.6 hectare site in Ronwood Ave that's owned by the Wiri Licensing Trust.

A depiction of how the Krispy Kreme store in Manukau will look once completed.

Trust chairman Alan Johnson was aware some people may criticise the decision to open a doughnut store in south Auckland, given health problems among some local communities.

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"There is the issue of obesity," Johnson said.

CHRIS HARROWELL/STUFF Alan Johnson says the development will create up to 150- full- and part-time jobs, many of which will be filled by school leavers.

"Krispy Kreme is conscious of it in terms of the way they market their product, such as not doing so to children.

"This is something to have occasionally [rather than regularly]."

He describes the development, which will include a new tavern, as a "game-changer" for the trust.

DAVID BEBBER The global franchise was founded in 1937 in the United States.

Johnson says the Australian company that owns the Krispy Kreme franchise in Australia will lease its site from the trust, which will own and operate the adjacent tavern.

"This is probably the biggest development for us in our 48-year history.

"It will create up to 150 full and part-time jobs in roles such as management, operations management, retail and foodservice, and manufacturing.

"Some of the jobs will give young people a start in employment. Everything that's sold in the store will be made on-site."

Johnson says the development will provide the trust with a profitable investment with a "high-profile and reliable tenant".

"I'm really excited by it. I think it's a brand south Aucklanders will love."

In order to make way for the Krispy Kreme store and the tavern, a bar that had stood on the site has been demolished.

He says the tavern, which is expected to open in June next year, will be an establishment of very high quality.

"We hope that what we're offering will be much better than anything else in Manukau for dining and in terms of being family-friendly.

"It's going to be something special and unique."

Sydney-based Krispy Kreme chief executive Andrew McGuigan says he too is excited by the venture and the company's entry into New Zealand.

"The brand is already strong globally and we believe there's huge opportunity for Krispy Kreme to become a favourite amongst Kiwis.

"The Manukau site is ideal for our flagship store and operational facility and we expect it to be a popular destination that all can enjoy."

Nathan Rahui runs the 'Bring Krispy Kreme to New Zealand' Facebook page, which he started in 2010 and is followed by more than 3600 people.

The 22-year-old tertiary student, who lives in Hamilton, Waikato, is "absolutely stoked" New Zealand is getting a Krispy Kreme store, he said.

"There are a lot of Kiwis who want this to happen, as shown by the general feedback on the [Facebook] page.

"It's safe to say I'll be in line when it opens, to get my hands on an original glazed doughnut or 12.

"I first tried the original glazed doughnut on a trip to Sydney when my aunty bought a box for us. It's by far the best [doughnut available]."

The south Auckland facility will offer a retail store and drive-through and will also be the company's manufacturing base for Auckland and Waikato.