Staff were left in shock this morning, after appliance retailer Kitchen Things collapsed into receivership, with employees told their jobs had been terminated immediately.
The Moorhouse Ave store is one of several across New Zealand owned by the Jones Family Business.
Receivers Adele Hicks and Russell Moore from Grant Thornton were appointed on Wednesday over several companies in the group, including Kitchen Things IP Limited, Kitchen Things Holdings Limited, Jones Family Investments Limited, Kitchen Things NZ Limited, Appliance Works (2015) Limited and Applico Limited. The appointment was made by ASB Bank, which held security over the businesses.
In a letter to staff, and seen by Chris Lynch Media, the receivers confirmed the companies had been under “financial pressure over the past two years” and despite attempts to restructure and explore sale options, it was no longer viable to continue operating.
“Unfortunately, as a result, we confirm that your employment is terminated as at the date of our appointment as Receivers, being 20 August 2025,” the letter said.
All Kitchen Things stores have been temporarily closed while receivers assess stock and determine what steps will be taken next.
Staff were instructed to return company property, including vehicles, laptops, mobile phones and furniture, by midday on Wednesday.
A family member of a long-serving Christchurch employee said staff were outraged by the way they had been treated, as there had been no sign the business was in trouble.
In Christchurch, a printed notice appeared on the doors of Kitchen Things on Moorhouse Avenue. It read: “Kitchen Things NZ Limited and Appliance Works (2015) Limited trading as Jones Services have been placed into receivership as of Wednesday, 20 August 2025. If you have any questions please email [email protected].”
Employees were also told that any unpaid wages, salaries, holiday pay and redundancy compensation will be treated as preferential claims against the companies, up to $31,820 per employee, under the Companies Act.
