Latest news with #IKEA
Scoop
9 hours ago
- Business
- Scoop
REVEALED: IKEA Consent Shows Why We Can't Have Nice Things
'IKEA's consent conditions show the absurd demands that councils are able to make that slow development, drive up cost, and make New Zealand a less attractive place to do business,' says ACT Leader David Seymour. ACT has obtained a copy of the 2023 resource consent for IKEA's Sylvia Park development. IKEA's consent requirements include: Inviting representatives of seven different mana whenua groups 'to undertake cultural monitoring, karakia and other such cultural ceremonies on the site' at the pre-start meeting, commencement of earthworks and immediately prior to completion of bulk earthworks across the site, with 10 days' notice before each of those events. Consulting with mana whenua on design aspects including erosion and sediment control measures, stormwater treatment, planting, the 'Culvert-edge walkway', and fencing. Mana whenua must be afforded the opportunity to provide Cultural Monitoring as deemed required by the respective mana whenua representatives. Mana whenua must be afforded access to the site at their discretion. 'What message do conditions like these send to other businesses looking to invest in New Zealand?" says Seymour. 'This is especially relevant for supermarkets, where we urgently need more competition. Companies like Aldi or Coles will think twice about entering the market if they realise they'll face this cultural rigmarole at hundreds of separate sites, each with potentially different requirements. 'We should be rolling out the welcome mat for anyone wanting to bring much-needed competition to New Zealand. Instead, we're forcing them to navigate demands based on metaphysical concepts not required anywhere else in the world. The result is Kiwis see higher prices at the checkout, less jobs, and lower incomes. 'That's why Cabinet has agreed there will be no general Treaty principles clause in the new resource management system. We will continue to uphold Treaty settlements, but we cannot continue to have planners bogging down everyone's consents by demanding this sort of absurdity."
Tom's Guide
a day ago
- Lifestyle
- Tom's Guide
I moved this $30 IKEA floor lamp into my yard and it totally transformed my outdoor space
Summer is here, and it's my favorite time to spruce up my backyard and get it ready for outdoor lounging. If you want to upgrade your yard, the right outdoor lighting can instantly make all the difference. From installing the best solar lights, or having LED lanterns, these all work well to add warm illumination and cozy ambiance, once the sun goes down. As someone obsessed with interior style, I've always wanted to extend the same, eye-catching theme in my outdoor spaces. However, I couldn't quite find something unique that I wanted. That was until I decided to move my Solvinden LED Floor Lamp from IKEA into my yard. Initially, I had bought this lamp to place on my living room floor, and add contemporary beauty. However, I wasn't entirely sure it really matched the rest of my interiors, and felt it was being overshadowed. After having the idea of relocating it, I was pleased to see it had found its rightful place. Not only did it glow up my dull, outdoor space, but added a unique and contemporary feature. What's more, it looks more expensive than it is, priced at only $17 right now. Bargain! This eye-catching floor lamp offers a warm light through the decorative pattern of the shade. Not only does this create a cozy ambiance, but can be placed anywhere in outdoor or indoor spaces. With its stylish, plastic rattan design, it's made to be weatherproof, easy to maintain. The lamp is also available in two sizes to suit your home. There's much to love about the Solvinden LED floor lamp. Right off the bat, its eye-catching, unique design looks more like a beautiful work of art than functional lighting. Once switched on, I love how the warm glow casts geometric patterns on surfaces, and you can adjust two brightness settings — all at the touch of one button underneath. You'll need batteries though (which was my only caveat), and it only charges with a USB-A cable. Still, it's a far better option than having unsightly, power cords running all over my yard. What's more, after using it for a couple of months, I haven't had to recharge it yet. At just 18 x 10 inches diameter, the Solvinden takes up minimal space, making it ideal for sprucing up a small patio or balcony. What's more, it's lightweight, plastic rattan can withstand any weather conditions, and is easy to clean and maintain to use all-year-round. Best of all, it looks stunning in my outdoor space. So, if you like function but more style, this IKEA Solvinden LED floor lamp is perfect for those summer evenings.
Cision Canada
2 days ago
- Business
- Cision Canada
/C O R R E C T I O N -- IKEA/ English
In the news release, IKEA halves restaurant prices to side with customers amid cost-of-living pressures, issued 25-Jun-2025 by IKEA over PR Newswire, we are advised by the company that several changes have been applied in the release. The complete, corrected release follows: IKEA halves restaurant prices to side with customers amid cost-of-living pressures MALMÖ, Sweden, June 26, 2025 /CNW/ -- Guided by the vision of creating a better everyday life for the many people, Ingka Group, the largest IKEA retailer, is stepping up efforts to support customers with low price while ensuring long-term growth. In many IKEA markets around the world*, the price of restaurant meals will be halved Monday through Friday, and children will eat for free**. With hundreds of millions of guests visiting IKEA restaurants every year, the company aims to inspire a better everyday life through food that is healthier, more sustainable, and affordable. As part of ongoing investments in the in-store experience, Ingka Group is introducing lower food prices to help people stretch their budgets, nourish their families, and find a little more joy. For example, in France, the price of lunch for a family of four, which includes two hot-meals with meatballs for adults and two meals for kids, will cost EUR 6.96 instead of EUR 19.9. In addition, all restaurant guests will receive a EUR 5 voucher to use in-store. "Food has always been very important for IKEA, and we wanted to enable even more people to enjoy our restaurant offer while exploring our home furnishing range," says Tolga Öncü, Ingka Retail Manager (COO) at IKEA Retail (Ingka Group). "Securing the lowest possible price for our products is always our utmost goal, and this is even more important in today's times of economic uncertainties and cost-of-living pressures." At the same time, IKEA is refreshing its food offer with new dishes inspired by Asian flavours, expanding affordable, healthy options for customers. "We always look for ways to bring more variety to our food offer, especially with new plant-based options," says Lorena Lourido Gomez, Global Food Manager, IKEA Retail (Ingka Group). "We will soon launch our very first falafel, adding this popular food to our restaurants and, later, to our Swedish Food Markets. Good quality, low price, and making a positive difference for the planet – those ingredients remain a guiding star for our food business." Heading toward the end of FY25, IKEA remains focused on helping customers make the most of their finances while delivering value through both food and home furnishing.
Cision Canada
2 days ago
- General
- Cision Canada
IKEA Canada marks ongoing Indigenous Reconciliation journey with Indigenous-inspired spaces at IKEA Winnipeg Français
The powerful exhibit, unveiled on June 21 st to coincide with National Indigenous Peoples Day, provides customers and co-workers with a realistic view of how traditional Indigenous activities and practices come alive in a modern living room. The educational tipi, raised in unison with the Indigenous community and IKEA Winnipeg co-workers, offers customers a safe space to learn about Indigenous culture in the spirit of truth and reconciliation. The Indigenous room-setting and tipi exhibit, which will remain in the store for the long-term, is the latest initiative in a series of actions taken by IKEA Winnipeg in collaboration with an Indigenous advisor and the local Indigenous community. "Manitoba has the largest urban Indigenous population in Canada with 18 per cent of the population identifying as Indigenous. With only 12 per cent of our customer base identifying as Indigenous, we knew there was work to be done to ensure that all people feel welcome and represented at IKEA," said Andrea Dreilich, Communication and Interiors Manager, IKEA Winnipeg. "To achieve this, we are collaborating with local Indigenous families to better understand their unique life at home challenges and developing relevant solutions in our showrooms to help them create a better life at home. The living room we recently unveiled is only the first of more solutions to come." IKEA Winnipeg is just one of many IKEA units that have been engaged in ongoing dialogue, collaboration, and relationship-building efforts with their local Indigenous communities guided by the IKEA Canada Indigenous Reconciliation Strategy. Rooted in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada (TRC) Call to Action #92 – Business and Reconciliation, the strategy, established by IKEA Canada in 2021, encompasses learning and teaching, collaboration and amplification, and reciprocity with Indigenous communities. Examples of initiatives from IKEA units across Canada include: Indigenous showrooms at IKEA Edmonton, IKEA Halifax, and IKEA Calgary; Support in the creation of the Ta Tsíptspi7lhḵn/the Language Nest by IKEA Richmond and the Vancouver Customer Distribution Centre (CDC); Creation of impactful Indigenous art installations at IKEA Ottawa and IKEA Beauharnois Distribution Centre/Customer Distribution Centre (DC/CDC); Partnership with the Canadian Library Project to use BILLY bookcases as a platform to educate and raise awareness about Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG); Education for IKEA co-workers through the 4 Seasons of Reconciliation training program; and Partnerships with Indigenous social entrepreneurs like the Setsuné Indigenous Fashion Incubator in 2017, prior to the establishment of the IKEA Reconciliation Strategy. "At IKEA, equality is deeply rooted in our values, and it is our ambition to be a force for positive change in society. Our vision is to create a better everyday life for the many people. With that comes a commitment to support Indigenous cultures and contribute to reconciliation with First Nation, Inuit, and Métis peoples, which goes together with our commitment to increase ethnic, racial, and national diversity in leadership," said John Williams, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Leader, IKEA Canada. "As we approach the 10 th anniversary of the TRC's 94 Calls to Action, we recognize there is more progress to be made, difficult conversations to be had, meaningful partnerships to be formed, voices to be amplified, and Indigenous culture to be celebrated – all of which, we will continue to strive for within the communities where we operate." Learn more about the IKEA Canada Reconciliation Strategy and work that has been done in IKEA stores and units across the country at ABOUT IKEA CANADA Founded in 1943 in Sweden, IKEA is a leading home furnishing retailer, offering a wide range of well-designed, functional home furnishing products at prices so low that as many people as possible can afford them. IKEA Canada is part of Ingka Group which operates 400 IKEA stores in 31 countries, including 16 in Canada. Last year, IKEA Canada welcomed 32.6 million visitors to its stores and 162.6 million visitors to IKEA Canada operates business through the IKEA vision - to create a better everyday life for the many people and does so through its local community efforts and sustainability initiatives. For more information on IKEA Canada, please visit
Tom's Guide
2 days ago
- Tom's Guide
I tested IKEA's portable induction cooktop — and it's a game changer for small spaces
If you thought induction cooking was out of your price range, think again. Often priced above the cost of the best gas and electric ranges, induction cooking is never seen as a cheap option. What's more, there's also the decision of whether you want to swap to a completely new way of cooking, as there are a few things you need to know before you buy an induction cooktop, with the main distinction being the difference in how heat is transferred. Model: TillredaDimensions: 10 5/8 (W) x 12 3/4 (D) x 2 1/2 (H) inchesCooking levels: 9Cord length: 54 inchesDisplay: LEDControl: Touch controlMax power: 2000WWeight: 6lbNumber of zones: single I have the perfect solution: Try before you buy. A portable induction cooktop offers the opportunity to test induction cooking before investing in a full-blown version, or it could simply be a handy way to cook in a tight space or if you want a portable cooktop to take on a camping trip. It won't provide the excitement of cooking over a campfire, but it will boil a pan of water in a flash. And I have the perfect product to put before you. IKEA's Tillreda induction cooktop is a real budget find, offering you the chance to try out induction cooking before you rip out your old cooktop and swap to induction for good. Unlike some portable induction cooktops, you can only buy the IKEA Tillreda portable induction cooktop direct from IKEA — no surprises there. You can pick it up at IKEA in the U.S. for $59 and £45 in the U.K. I think it's an exceptionally good price. Plus, in the U.K., you can also buy a version with two cooking zones, which is available for $80 at Ikea. The induction cooktop sits with other kitchen appliances in the Tillreda range, including a microwave and refrigerator. The Tilreda induction cooktop is neatly packaged. It comes in one piece with the plug attached. Once you remove it from its box, you can simply plug it in and go. There's nothing to add, fix or charge. It takes on a neat cube shape, with a black cooktop and a white base. There's nothing exceptional about the design, just as there's nothing unpleasant or garish. I also like its cubesque shape, which makes the Tillreda feel compact and easy to store without any awkward curves. And if space is super tight, it even features a hanging hook that pops out of the back of the cooktop. The air inlets and outlets for the fan are located on the right side and at the rear of the cooktop. You'll find silicone pads on its base to keep it stable on your countertop. On the top, you'll find a very reflective surface with markings indicating where to place your pan, and the cooking display is at the front. It's a good bit different to Smeg's portable induction cooktop, which is currently available in the U.K. (We'll let you know once it's released in the U.S.). Smeg's version takes on a more curvaceous form and is significantly deeper, although it still maintains a sleek profile. Before I mention how easy it is to use the cooktop, I need to say about pans. Induction cooking transfers heat through an electric current. That means your pans need to be magnetic. So, if your pans don't contain a sufficient amount of iron, you won't be able to get started. It's one of the 5 things you'll need to know before buying an induction cooktop. I tend to use my cast iron Dutch oven when I'm cooking hearty meals on an induction cooktop, but you can also use stainless steel pans. Simply test your pans with a magnet to check. The induction cooktop will also let you know if your pans aren't suitable. It's clever like that. An 'U' icon will appear on the display to indicate the pan is unsuitable or not correctly positioned. Other than that, there's not much else you need to do apart from removing the cooktop from its packaging, giving it a check wipe down, and plugging it in. Although I love getting stuck in, it's best to check through the instruction manual before using it for the first time. But it's all very intuitive to use. To get started, hold down the 'padlock' icon on the touchpad to unlock the cooktop, then press the on/off button. You can now select the level of heat you require by using the '-' and '+' keys. That's it, you're cooking! What about the competition?Smeg's portable induction cooktop is also easy to use, but it has extra functionality, which means it may take a little longer to get accustomed to. It includes a power boost, a temperature probe, and cooking modes, including Keep Warm, Barbeque, and Fry. You might now be thinking you're looking at the wrong product, but you do pay more for these extra features — it's all comes down to what you want or need. What's so impressive about induction cooking is the quick response time. As soon as you alter the power level, it's done. If you've got a pan boiling over, and you turn down the heat, the response is immediate. What's so impressive about induction cooking is the quick response time. As soon as you alter the power level, it's done. If you've got a pan boiling over, and you turn down the heat, the response is immediate. I also love how easy it is to set a gentle heat, whereas with my regular gas hob, I find it hard to get the right balance. IKEA's induction cooktop didn't disappoint, and when I cooked a casserole, I set the power to level 3 for a gentle simmer. However, one of my first tests was timing how long it took to boil one liter of water. I placed the water in my Dutch oven, popped on the lid and waited for the boil. It took 4 minutes and 5 seconds when placed on level 9. This is a whole minute longer than when using the Power Boost setting on Smeg's portable induction cooktop, but I won't be losing any sleep over it. I cooked numerous dishes on the induction cooktop and even used it to melt chocolate, as induction heat allows you to melt the delicacy without the fuss of using a bain-marie. Using power level 3, I was able to gently melt milk chocolate, although I'd warn you not to take your eyes off it, as it's gentle yet fast. There's not much you can't cook on an induction cooktop. From sausages, to sauces and casseroles, I found the heat was steady on the cooktop, and just as impressive as the Smeg version, without the added features. I also tried cooking scrambled eggs, one of my favorite breakfasts, and was eager to watch how they cooked to check the heat distribution. I was impressed with the even heat distribution, and the eggs tasted delicious with some hot, crunchy toast. You'll need to experiment with the power levels to find what works best, but for scrambled eggs or an omelet, I recommend a power level of 4 or lower. As a one-pot fan, I wasn't put off by having just one cooking zone to work with. Although, as mentioned above, you can buy a two-zone cooktop in the U.K. I tend to throw everything in and see, and using the induction cooktop, combined with my cast-iron pot, worked a treat. Noise alertIt's not the quietest cooktop. I tested the volume using a sound meter, and on average, it measured 63dB, with the highest reading reaching 87dB. But, here, you've got to look at the price. Would you expect a silent induction cooktop that costs $59? Safety featuresApart from the child lock I've mentioned above, the induction cooktop has a couple of other safety features. After turning on the power, if the power levels are not selected within 30 seconds, the unit automatically switches off. Plus, if you don't switch a cooking zone off after two hours, or change the power level, or it overheats, for instance, a pan boils dry, it will also turn off. On the cleaning front, the induction cooktop scores an undeniable 10/10. There are no awkward nooks and crannies to clean around or any grates to wash up. It's a real-time saver. Plus, due to the responsive control, there's less likelihood of food boiling over and causing a mess. The most I had to clear up was sprays of fat, and even in this instance, a damp cloth was all that was needed to wipe away the mess. Having gotten used to using the induction cooktop, as soon as I returned to using my gas cooktop, I cursed every time I cleaned it. There's no denying that IKEA's Tillreda induction cooktop offers basic functionality, but it gives an excellent performance for the price. I can envision it being used by students and those with small cooking spaces, or where an extra cooking zone is needed when entertaining crowds. It also offers you the perfect chance to dip your toe into the world of induction cooking and experience what all the fuss is about without splashing out.
