Swedish furniture giant IKEA has revealed its first New Zealand store will open on 4 December.

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon attended the announcement in Auckland, and took part in a guided tour for an exclusive first look inside the 34,000 square metre IKEA store, alongside media and other stakeholders.

Auckland Council advised IKEA to avoid opening on public holidays, Fridays, weekends, Black Friday or Boxing Day.

Photo: RNZ / Marika Khabazi

In July, the retailer said it was on track to open at Sylvia Park mall in Auckland later this year, and had already employed 85 of the 500 staff needed.

Its imminent arrival coincided with high unemployment, and its senior management roles attracted about 800 applicants earlier this year.

Photo: RNZ / Marika Khabazi

IKEA's New Zealand fulfilment manager Jan Vanderstappen said online shopping would also be available - with a network of 29 pick-up points across the country.

Construction for the site first began in 2023.

The store - and its iconic Swedish restaurant selling meatballs and hotdogs - will be spread across two floors, in addition to a ground level carpark.

Photo: RNZ / Marika Khabazi

Photo: RNZ / Marika Khabazi

Photo: RNZ / Marika Khabazi

This story was originally published by RNZ