New Zealand’s first-ever IKEA store is officially under construction, and we can’t wait!

Brace yourselves, Kiwis, because the iconic Swedish furniture giant is about to make your home-furnishing dreams come true!  

Located at Sylvia Park in Auckland, this much-awaited store is now officially under construction and is set to open its doors to customers in late 2025, marking a significant milestone for IKEA enthusiasts across the country. 

To celebrate this momentous occasion, IKEA New Zealand kicked off construction with a ground-breaking event that included a traditional Māori blessing from local iwi, officially extending a warm Kiwi welcome to the land. And what better way to bring cultures together than by sharing a Fika, a Swedish tradition of bonding over delicious food? 

Mirja Viinanen, the CEO and Chief Sustainability Officer for IKEA New Zealand and Australia, thrilled everyone with the announcement that the first store will not only have a physical presence but will also offer online shopping.  

This means that IKEA will be as accessible as possible to all New Zealanders, no matter where they are. The store itself will be a massive 34,000 square meters, showcasing the latest and greatest in design and home furnishing solutions to help create a better life at home. 

Mirja Viinanen expressed her excitement, saying, "We know anticipation has been building since we first announced our intention to come to New Zealand, so we are thrilled to share our plans today as we take an important step closer to saying 'hej' to the many New Zealanders. We're so grateful to iwi who have welcomed us to the land, in addition to Kiwi Property, our partners who have enabled construction to begin as we look towards our anticipated opening date of late 2025." 

"We have been working closely with our partners at Kiwi Property Group to consult community groups and local iwi. We are very appreciative of these relationships and look forward to continuing these consultations as IKEA moves to build and open its first store. We welcome the valuable expertise, advice, and input on our journey that all iwi, community groups, and neighbouring businesses have to offer," Mirja Viinanen added. 

Tolga Öncü, Head of IKEA Retail, Ingka Group, added, "New Zealand felt like a missing piece for IKEA, and I am so pleased that, thanks to the support of the many involved, we are now able to start changing that. We are humbled by the interest shown in IKEA and our home furnishing solutions and will do our absolute best to live up to such expectations. I wish everyone a smooth and speedy construction and very much look forward to welcoming New Zealand to the big IKEA family as soon as possible." 

Now, let's dive into some exciting facts about the upcoming IKEA store: 

• The store will be a magnificent three-floor building, covering approximately 34,000 square meters. Talk about space to roam and explore! 

• With a ground-level carpark and two levels dedicated to the store, convenience is key. You'll find standalone entry and exit points, allowing you to shop 'til you drop and make a smooth getaway. 

• The new store will be seamlessly connected to the rest of the Sylvia Park retail precinct, ensuring a hassle-free shopping experience. Say goodbye to those long treks between stores! 

• And here's some good news for your taste buds: The IKEA New Zealand store will boast a Swedish Restaurant and Bistro, serving the iconic meatballs and hot dogs, inclusive of plant-based versions of the Swedish favourites. 

We can’t wait for the doors to open!