IKEA Lands in Aotearoa: New Zealand’s First Store Is Coming

Aotearoa is about to get its first iconic IKEA store, with construction well underway in Auckland’s Sylvia Park, slated to open in late 2025. The 34,000 m² three-storey "big blue box" will occupy two retail levels above a ground-floor car park, blending seamlessly into the busy Sylvia Park precinct. 

Construction officially began in mid-2023, marked by a Māori blessing with local iwi followed by a traditional Swedish fika ceremony. These gestures underscore IKEA’s commitment to being a good neighbour in New Zealand.

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A Full IKEA Experience — Physical & Digital

The store will offer the full range of IKEA’s signature experiences:

• A maze-like showroom, market hall, Swedish Restaurant & Bistro (with iconic meatballs and veggie alternatives),
• A tap-to-order self-service furniture area, and
• A complementary online shopping platform launching alongside the store.

Sustainability in the Blueprint

Sustainability sits at the heart of the project. The store aims to achieve a New Zealand 5 Green Star rating, featuring:

• Rooftop solar panels,
• EV chargers for customers and delivery vehicles,
• 100% LED lighting,
• Advanced insulation to minimize heating needs, and
• A 50,000-liter rainwater harvesting system. 

Infrastructure in Place

Complementing the retail build, IKEA has opened a new 20,000 m² external warehouse in Māngere, blessed by Te Ākitai Waiohua and built with Auckland Airport’s support. The warehouse will handle shipments starting May 2025, holding 8,000–10,000 m³ of inventory and supporting efficient nationwide distribution. It also targets a Green Star rating and features EV infrastructure and recycling systems. 

Planning with Whānau and Customers in Mind

IKEA’s “Life at Home” research involved visiting 500 Kiwi homes across Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch to understand local lifestyles and preferences—valuable insights that are shaping the in-store experience. 

Though late 2025 is the official timeline, recent signals suggest IKEA is targeting a grand Christmas opening, aligning with peak seasonal retail demand. Kiwi Property is already planning for increased foot traffic, collaborating with Auckland Transport on traffic and accessibility solutions.

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