Firm to keep ‘strong’ NZ footprint

AUCKLAND: Cosmetics giant L’Oreal is consulting staff over proposed changes to the structure of its New Zealand business.

However, the company denies speculation the proposed change to its operating model will result in the management of the New Zealand operation moving to Australia.

The New Zealand arm of L’Oreal employs 230 staff.

Company spokeswoman Tanya Abbott said the French multinational intended to keep ‘‘a very strong footprint in New Zealand’’ and it would ‘‘retain the vast majority’’ of its employees here.

‘‘We are bringing our New Zealand and Australian teams in closer alignment across all areas of our business.

‘‘We already work together very closely in some areas and have done for many years,’’ L’Oreal NZ corporate communications and public affairs manager Ms Abbott said.

‘‘We are consulting with our New Zealand teams about a proposed structural change — like all businesses we review our structures.’’

Ms Abbott is yet to respond to further questions about the anticipated number of redundancies after the change.

Rodrigo Pizarro would continue as chief executive of L’Oreal Australia and New Zealand, she said.

He has been in the role eight years.

Ms Abbott said there would be no changes to L’Oreal’s supply and fulfilment in New Zealand, and it would retain its Ellerslie offices and distribution centre in Auckland.

L’Oreal’s head office for New Zealand and Australia is in Melbourne.

L’Oreal NZ accounts for the last financial year show the company made $14.5 million profit in the year ended December 31.

The company took $1,503,890.40 in government wage subsidies during the height of the Covid19 pandemic for 224 staff.

A note in its accounts said Covid had a significant impact on operations, but since lockdown restrictions were lifted there had been no longlasting detrimental impact to the business.