Ex-contractors reveal Harvey Norman business model pressures

Harvey Norman says its model provides flexibility and rewards performance. (Image: Andrew Louis)

Wed, 05 Feb 2025

Harvey Norman proprietors, who are independent contractors, claim they were often asked to relocate or face termination with little notice. Harvey Norman defends its model and practices, stating it provides flexibility and rewards for high performance, but some former proprietors feel it negatively impacts company culture and personal lives. Gregor Thompson reports. It was a spring day in 2021, in the midst of the covid-19 pandemic. The proprietor of the furniture department at Harvey Norman’s Invercargill branch, Tam...

Subscribe to BusinessDesk

Stay informed on business, government and financial developments across New Zealand.

Stay informed on business, government and financial developments across New Zealand.
Deeply researched, twice-edited and fact-checked news
Annual subscribers also receive a complimentary subscription to The Wall Street Journal
Personalised email news alerts, plus gift up to 5 stories a month to non-subscribers

You can cancel anytime with two clicks, an email or a phone call.
Find out more.

We are serious about journalism.

Name {{ registerForm.errors.get('name') }}

Email address {{ registerForm.errors.get('email') }}

Phone Number {{ registerForm.errors.get('phone') }}

Job Title {{ registerForm.errors.get('title') }}

Password Minimum password length of 8 characters.
Require at least one upper and lowercase, numeric, and special character. {{ registerForm.errors.get('password') }}

Repeat password {{ registerForm.errors.get('password_confirmation') }}

We had trouble validating your card. It's possible your card provider is preventing us from charging the card. Please contact your card provider or customer support.

Credit Card

Cardholder's name

{{ __(plans[index].interval) | capitalize }} {{ plans[index].attributes.old_price | currency }} {{ plans[index].price | currency }}

All subscriptions auto renew but are easy to cancel.

I Accept The Terms Of Service

{{ registerForm.errors.get('terms') }}

Tax: {{ taxAmount(selectedPlan) | currency }}

Total Price Including Tax: {{ priceWithTax(selectedPlan) | currency }} {{ selectedPlan.type == 'user' && spark.chargesUsersPerSeat ? '/ '+ spark.seatName : '' }} {{ selectedPlan.type == 'user' && spark.chargesUsersPerTeam ? '/ '+ __('teams.team') : '' }} / {{ __(selectedPlan.interval) | capitalize }}

World

China retaliates against US, intensifying trade war

Beijing’s tariff increases and other countermeasures were mostly symbolic.

The Wall Street Journal 8:30am

Finance

Forsyth Barr on Spark's 'incumbent's dilemma'

Falling market share and margins in the broadband market look entrenched.

Pattrick Smellie 5:00am

Forsyth Barr on Spark's 'incumbent's dilemma'

Policy Business of Government

Sidestepping inevitable Waitangi politics, and more ...

Our weekly roundup of public sector news and analysis.

Jem Traylen 5:00am

Sidestepping inevitable Waitangi politics, and more ...

Sponsored

Shining bright: Why gold matters today

The “great wealth store” remains a smart portfolio choice in 2025.

Smart

Sponsored

Why Kiwis are embracing Bitcoin ETFs

The once hard-to-access investment option is becoming mainstream.

Smart

More Retail

Retail

SPQR liquidators looking to sell trademark

The well-known Ponsonby restaurant failed last July.

Oliver Lewis 04 Feb 2025

Retail

Woolworths names new NZ managing director

Sally Copland is crossing the Ditch to take over as managing director of Woolworths New Zealand. Copland has worked for the Australian-based grocery group for more than 18 years and has formerly held senior positions in NZ, including as interim managing director.In the announceme...

Staff reporters 04 Feb 2025