IKEA to Open First New Zealand Store at Sylvia Park on 4 December

RNZ reports that Swedish furniture giant IKEA has confirmed the opening date of its long-awaited first New Zealand store — 4 December 2025.

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon joined the official announcement in Auckland, where he toured the 34,000-square-metre store at Sylvia Park mall alongside media and stakeholders.

Construction began in 2023, and the massive outlet will span two floors with a ground-level car park. True to tradition, it will also feature IKEA’s iconic Swedish restaurant, serving its famous meatballs and hotdogs.

Auckland Council advised the retailer to avoid launching on weekends, public holidays, Black Friday, or Boxing Day. Earlier this year, IKEA revealed it had already hired 85 of the 500 staff needed. Its senior management roles proved highly competitive, drawing around 800 applicants.

To complement the store, IKEA’s fulfilment manager Jan Vanderstappen confirmed that online shopping will be available nationwide, supported by 29 pick-up points across the country.