
Petdirect, New Zealand’s leading Kiwi-owned pet supply retailer, has been named the winner of the 2025 Best Places to Work™ Medium Workplace Award, recognising its outstanding culture, strong leadership and people-first approach.
This national recognition names Petdirect the top-ranking medium-sized business to work for in New Zealand - a major milestone just five years after the company’s launch.
“We’re incredibly proud to be recognised as one of New Zealand’s Best Places to Work,” says Brooke Riley, Head of People and Culture at Petdirect. “It’s really affirming to see the focus we’ve put into our people and culture reflected in this way. Our PetSters bring so much energy, care and connection to Petdirect every day, and this recognition belongs to them.”
Why Petdirect Stands Out
The award reflects employee feedback and Petdirect’s ongoing investment in building a workplace where people feel connected, supported and inspired:
- 93% feel supported by their manager
- 88% feel connected to their teammates
- 84% feel encouraged to explore better ways of doing things
- 77% feel regularly recognised for their contributions
Petdirect’s culture is built on:
- Authentic, values-led leadership
- Empowerment and trust
- Genuine focus on wellbeing and team connection
- Tangible recognition and development opportunities
A Great Place to Work - and Grow
With over 140 employees, Petdirect continues to grow its national footprint without losing the heart that makes it special. With majority market share of the online pet specialty category, the business operates distribution centres in Auckland and Christchurch, as well as an expanding network of retail stores
- Takapuna (opened in late 2024)
- Mt Roskill and Tower Junction (both opened in 2025)
- Mt Wellington (set to open later this year)
The award reinforces Petdirect’s belief that a fast-growing business can still be a deeply human place to work - where people are empowered to thrive and genuinely love what they do.
About Petdirect
Petdirect’s
purpose is simple: to make life better for pets and the
people who love them. From personalised advice to a wide
range of trusted products, everything the business does is
designed to support healthier, happier pet lives. Petdirect
also supports several national and community-based
charities, including the SPCA, Saving Hope Foundation and
Save the Kiwi, with regular product donations and awareness
initiatives.
Customers can access expert guidance every step of the way, from nutrition to supplements and beyond. Petdirect offers more than 100 expert-authored blogs, personalised recommendations based on pet profiles, and complimentary 15-minute bookings with its in-house Pet Expert Team to help customers make confident, informed choices. These services sit alongside a growing range of digital tools, including a mobile app, flexible Autodeliver subscription options and Airpoints rewards.

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