IKEA, the global furniture giant, is making significant strides in the construction of its first-ever store in New Zealand. As the blue-and-yellow icon moves closer to its anticipated opening, the company has revealed exciting plans, including the mass recruitment of over 400 co-workers in early 2025. This ambitious effort will introduce New Zealand to IKEA’s well-known shopping experience, with the store expected to create hundreds of jobs and foster community engagement in Auckland’s Sylvia Park.

IKEA’s New Zealand journey has been one of great anticipation, with the planned store set to become a focal point of the local retail landscape. The store, located in the heart of Auckland, will feature the brand’s signature showroom, restaurant, and large retail space. Already, the steel frame of the store has been erected, utilizing 4,800 tons of structural steel—twice the typical amount for IKEA stores—due to New Zealand's stringent earthquake protection regulations. As of now, the construction of the warehouse has been completed, with work on the showroom, roof, and other essential elements proceeding at a rapid pace. By mid-2025, the iconic yellow IKEA wordmark will appear, signifying a major milestone for the project.

A key part of IKEA’s strategic expansion into New Zealand is the creation of a nationwide delivery infrastructure. The warehouse, located 20 kilometers from the main store, will support nationwide deliveries from day one, ensuring that customers can purchase items in-store, online, or over the phone and have them delivered directly to their homes. This marks IKEA's first new market since the opening of its Slovenian store in 2020 and is part of Ingka Group’s EUR 5 billion investment plan, which aims to optimize operations in 31 global markets by the end of FY27.

With the store slated for a 2026 opening, IKEA is already well into the recruitment process, aiming to hire over 400 employees across various roles. To gain further insight into the hiring process and the company’s plans for integration, People Matters spoke exclusively with Lauren Clegg, People and Culture Manager at IKEA Sylvia Park. In this in-depth interview, Clegg shared her vision for building IKEA’s New Zealand workforce, creating an inclusive and collaborative environment, and aligning IKEA’s global values with local cultural nuances.

Integrating IKEA's Global Values with New Zealand's Local Culture

IKEA is known for its distinct corporate culture and values, which are rooted in its Swedish heritage. However, as the company expands into new markets, it must adapt its approach to reflect local cultural nuances while maintaining its core values. When asked about how IKEA plans to integrate its global values into the New Zealand workforce, Clegg shared that the process has been both smooth and organic. “Tāmaki Makaurau (Auckland) is one of the most diverse cities in the world, and we cannot wait to have a team at IKEA that is representative of this diversity,” Clegg explained.

In New Zealand, there is a strong sense of community, with a deep respect for nature and the land. These values align well with IKEA’s commitment to caring for both people and the planet. “One of our key values at IKEA is caring for people and the planet, and this aligns perfectly with New Zealand’s strong environmental consciousness,” said Clegg. “We will ensure that in everything we do, we consider the impact we have on people and the environment.”

A key area of overlap between Swedish and New Zealand culture is the emphasis on togetherness. “In Swedish culture, we have a tradition called ‘Fika,’ where we take a break together to share coffee and food. In New Zealand, we have ‘kai’ and a similar focus on coming together as a community,” Clegg explained. She emphasized that IKEA aims to reflect these shared cultural values in its workplace, ensuring that all employees feel included and valued.

IKEA’s commitment to respecting local culture is also reflected in the company’s recruitment approach. The company plans to engage with iwi (tribes), consultants, and locals to ensure it understands what is required to create a respectful and inclusive workplace. “We want to be a part of the community and recruit co-workers who reflect the local culture,” Clegg said. “Our focus is to work together with local communities to make IKEA a truly welcoming and meaningful place for New Zealanders.”

Building a Strong Company Culture in a New Market

Creating a strong company culture in a new market is always a challenge, particularly when the market is as unique as New Zealand. As the first IKEA store in the country, the Sylvia Park store will set the tone for IKEA’s presence in New Zealand. One of the core principles of IKEA’s culture is “Leadership by All,” which empowers all employees to take initiative and contribute to the improvement of the company, regardless of their role.

“We trust our co-workers to make decisions in their own work and come up with ideas for improvement in any department of the business,” Clegg said. “Every co-worker has something valuable to offer, and this shared leadership philosophy is key to fostering respect and connection across all roles at IKEA.” This philosophy will be especially important in the new market, where leaders will need to set an example and lead teams that are new to IKEA’s way of working.

Leadership qualities will be a significant focus during recruitment, particularly for those in management roles. “For our first-ever IKEA in New Zealand, we’re especially looking for people who can navigate the unknown and adapt to new challenges,” said Clegg. “Our leaders will need to lead by example and guide their teams through the uncertainty of being part of a new venture.”

Managing Talent Retention in a Competitive Labour Market

New Zealand’s competitive labour market poses another challenge for IKEA as it aims to recruit and retain top talent. Clegg emphasized that employee retention starts with transparency in recruitment. IKEA plans to be open about what a day at IKEA is like, sharing insights into the company culture and what employees can expect in their roles.

“We want to create a genuine sense of whanau (family) at IKEA, where everyone feels included and valued,” Clegg said. “This culture will help us compete in the job market and make IKEA one of the best employers in New Zealand.” A significant part of this strategy involves aligning every employee’s daily work with IKEA’s larger vision: “to create a better everyday life for the many.”

IKEA has always prided itself on offering meaningful work that contributes to employees' personal and professional growth. By building a supportive and inclusive culture, IKEA aims to maintain high levels of employee satisfaction and engagement, which are crucial for long-term retention.

Workplace Safety and Seismic Preparedness

One of the most unique challenges in constructing and operating a store in New Zealand is the country’s seismic requirements. New Zealand is located on the Pacific Ring of Fire, which makes it prone to earthquakes. As a result, IKEA has had to go above and beyond in terms of its health and safety policies to ensure the store is earthquake-resistant.

“IKEA has incredibly high health and safety standards, which we apply across all operations, both in our stores and with our suppliers,” said Clegg. “We are committed to offering decent and meaningful work, ensuring the health and safety of our co-workers are always protected.”

In addition to adhering to New Zealand’s stringent health and safety regulations, IKEA’s HR policies emphasize the importance of comprehensive workplace safety training and preparedness. This includes ensuring that all employees are well-equipped to handle emergency situations and are aware of the necessary safety procedures.

A Bright Future for IKEA in New Zealand

As IKEA accelerates its construction efforts and prepares to hire over 400 co-workers in the coming year, the company’s commitment to integrating local culture and values while upholding its global principles remains a key focus. The opening of IKEA’s first New Zealand store marks a significant milestone in the company’s expansion, and with strong recruitment efforts, community engagement, and a commitment to diversity and inclusion, IKEA looks set to make a lasting impact on the retail landscape in New Zealand.

With its focus on building a strong company culture, fostering leadership at all levels, and ensuring a safe and supportive work environment, IKEA’s New Zealand venture is poised for success. As Lauren Clegg concludes, “We are excited to build a team that reflects the diversity of Auckland and New Zealand, and to create a workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and part of the IKEA family.”

IKEA’s journey in New Zealand has just begun, and the next chapter promises to be one of growth, innovation, and meaningful contributions to the community.