Workers at New World Victoria Park supermarket may face redundancy following a massive blaze that left the building severely damaged.
On Tuesday, June 17, 2025, a fire broke out at the New World Victoria Park supermarket in Auckland, which took over 10 hours to put out. Investigators suspect the fire was caused accidentally.
The supermarket, which employs more than 180 people, has continued to pay its staff since the incident. However, Workers First Union, representing about 40 employees, has revealed there is now a proposal to make all workers redundant.
Foodstuffs North Island, the company behind New World, confirmed in a statement that the process of eliminating positions at the store is currently underway, carried out in compliance with employment law and in consultation with team members and their representatives.
The company also said it is actively assisting employees in finding new roles, including opportunities at nearby stores, the company’s support centre, and distribution centres.
New World in Pt Chevalier
Due to the extensive damage, New World Victoria Park is expected to remain out of operation for approximately two years. In response to the closure, Foodstuffs North Island has brought forward the opening of its new New World supermarket in Pt Chevalier.
Originally scheduled for September 9, the Pt Chevalier store will now open on August 19, 2025.
“Since the fire, we’ve heard from so many locals who told us how much they’ll miss Victoria Park. Some even described it as their ‘extended pantry,” Foodstuffs North Island chief executive Chris Quin said.
“We know how important it is to have access to a full-service grocery store in the area, and bringing forward the opening of New World Pt Chevalier is one way we can help meet that need.”
New World Pt Chevalier is located at 1132 Great North Road and will be owned by Matthew and Nicole Mullins, current owners of New World Otaki.