Creating Safer Homes, Brighter Futures for Tamariki

IKEA New Zealand teams up with Barnardos Aotearoa with new partnership, including in-store donations from opening day

Auckland, New Zealand – Ahead of its official launch 4 December, IKEA New Zealand is proud to announce a new partnership with Barnardos Aotearoa, New Zealand’s largest national children’s charity, to help create safe, stable, and nurturing homes for tamariki (children) and whānau (families) across Aotearoa through financial support, in-store donations and advocacy.

This partnership reflects the commitment for IKEA to create a better everyday life at home for the many people – a vision that goes beyond home furnishing, with the ambition to create positive change inside and outside the company. With one in seven children in New Zealand growing up in violent homes[1] and one in eight affected by poverty and housing insecurity[2], IKEA believes businesses have a responsibility to take action.

From opening day, IKEA customers will be able to support Barnardos by adding a donation at checkout. All funds raised will go directly to Barnardos programs that support children living in unsafe homes.

Renea Robson, Sustainability Manager, IKEA Australia & New Zealand, said, “Family violence is a national issue that often happens in the home, the very place we aim to make safe, comfortable and inspiring through our product range and solutions.”

“The safety and wellbeing of children affect all of us – our IKEA co-workers, customers and communities. We’re proud to stand alongside Barnardos to help break cycles of harm and build brighter futures for children through financial assistance, home furnishings and design expertise, and drive awareness and action through advocacy initiatives.”

“For IKEA, it starts with support inside our ‘home’ – for our 500 co-workers. This includes a comprehensive support package including 15 days of paid leave, a safety policy tailored for those experiencing violence, and education for line managers to help identify and assist those at risk.

“When tamariki have a safe, stable and healthy home, they can focus on being what they were always meant to be – curious, creative, confident and full of hope,” said Matt Reid, Barnardos Aotearoa Chief Executive Officer.

“We are delighted to begin this partnership with IKEA. Together, we want to create the conditions where children’s potential isn’t defined by hardship, but by opportunity. Real change for tamariki will come through kotahitanga — unity, collaboration – starting with partnerships like ours. Together, we can break down barriers and create safe, thriving homes”.

Together, IKEA and Barnardos aim to raise awareness of the complex issues affecting children - from family violence to inadequate housing – and spark conversations that lead to action in homes, workplaces, and government.

Around the world, including Australia, IKEA has used its reach and influence with millions of people to advocate for change on the issues around family violence and homelessness with its co-workers, customers, communities and across the business sector.

Donation Call to Action
Together we can make a difference. From opening day at IKEA Sylvia Park 4 December 2025, IKEA customers are encouraged to add a donation at the checkout to help more whānau have a safe place to call home and a brighter future.
[1] PFSV 2022 Children-and-Young-People-Analysis-Paper.pdf
[2] https://www.stats.govt.nz/information-releases/child-poverty-statistics-year-ended-june-2024/