'Greedy': Union slams Woolworths decision to axe 130 jobs in NZ

Supermarket giant Woolworths has confirmed it will cut 130 customer care roles in New Zealand.

Following the completion of a formal consultation process with team members and union representatives, the Auckland customer care operations will be integrated into Woolworth Group’s customer support network in Sydney.

“This has been a difficult decision, and we recognise the significant impact it has on our customer care team members who have served our Kiwi customers with dedication for many years,” Woolworths NZ’s director of digital and eCommerce Mark Wolfenden said.

“Our absolute priority right now is supporting every impacted team member with dignity, care, and clarity.

“We are working one-on-one with each team member to explore genuine redeployment opportunities across our supermarket network, supply chain, and broader business, including ring-fencing vacant roles.”

Woolworths said the decision reflects a broader effort to simplify operations, remove duplicated overheads, and ensure long-term sustainability across its New Zealand business.

In a separate statement to the Herald, Woolworths said: “We will look to invest in new net jobs in New Zealand each year, appreciating we employ over 20,000 team members in New Zealand, and are the largest private employer in New Zealand.”

Workers First deputy secretary Rudd Hughes labelled the decision “short-sighted” and “greedy”.

“Woolworths has just banked $163 million in earnings from Kiwi shoppers, and its response is to put 130 New Zealanders out of work to save pocket change,” he said.

“With unemployment at 5.6%, now is the time to keep Kiwi jobs in Aotearoa. It’s a staggeringly self-interested decision by Woolworths and New Zealanders should feel betrayed and let down.”

Hughes claimed the move would save Woolworths an extra $4.1 million by the 2029 financial year.

Woolworths NZ reported total sales of $8.49 billion in the 52 weeks ended June 28, 2026, up 2.5% from $8.28b the year before.

Woolworths NZ’s earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (ebitda) lifted 3.9% from $515m to $536m, with earnings before interest and tax (ebit) up 8.8% to $163m with an ebit margin of 1.9%.