Auror opens global Auckland HQ to tackle retail crime

Retail crime intelligence company Auror has opened a new global headquarters in central Auckland as it expands into new international markets.

The New Zealand-founded business hosted Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Police Minister Mark Mitchell at the opening. Local retail and police leaders also attended the event.

Auror develops software that links retailers and police. The platform focuses on the reporting and analysis of retail crime incidents.

The new headquarters sits in Auckland's central business district. It replaces earlier office space that the company used as it scaled.

The event began with a blessing by Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei. Guests then toured the new offices.

Co-founders Phil Thomson and James Corbett spoke about the company's growth over the past decade. They described the move from an early office in an old ballet studio to a network of sites in several countries.

The company now has offices in Auckland, Denver and London. It plans further expansion as it takes on more international retail clients.

Retail, police and industry partners heard from the Prime Minister and the Police Minister at the opening. They outlined their focus on tackling retail crime in New Zealand.

The ministers also expressed support for Auror's work with police and retailers. They highlighted the role of technology in addressing organised retail crime.

Global growth

Auror specialises in data and intelligence for retail loss prevention teams. Its systems collect information from stores and share it with investigators and police.

The company has grown alongside heightened concern over retail crime in many markets. Retailers in New Zealand and overseas report higher rates of organised theft and violent incidents in stores.

Auror works with retailers, police forces and industry groups in multiple countries. Its platform focuses on patterns of offending, known offenders and organised networks.

Thomson described the company's international outlook at the opening. "Phil said Auror is a "proud Kiwi company taking our technology to the world".

He said the design of the new headquarters reflects that ambition. "We've built an office space that is comfortable, safe and vibrant, which is a crucial component of creating an environment for everyone to do their best work, power innovation, and drive collaboration," he said.

Thomson said the company will continue to base its core operations in New Zealand. He framed the Auckland headquarters as the centre of Auror's research and product work.

"We now have offices in four countries and our team is growing fast, but we choose to keep New Zealand as our home and R&D base.

"I'm ambitious for New Zealand and it's a great place to anchor a global business - I want it to be as safe as possible to live, work and shop here, but also contribute to our thriving tech sector that's solving problems on the world stage."

Crime focus

The Auckland event took place amid ongoing debate over retail crime in New Zealand. Large chains and small retailers have reported more thefts and aggression in stores in recent years.

The government has placed greater emphasis on measures that link police and retailers. These measures include rapid information sharing and targeted operations against repeat offenders.

Thomson said collaboration between sectors has become more common. "The way retailers, government and police have leaned into tech and are tackling retail crime is a lesson for the rest of the world facing the same challenges. Kiwis should be proud of that."

Auror says its platform allows retailers to log incidents quickly and share information. Police can then access structured data that supports investigations.

The company works with partners across grocery, general merchandise and fuel. It focuses on both day-to-day theft and more organised offending.

Recognition and momentum

Auror has received recognition for its growth in the New Zealand technology sector. The business has appeared on Deloitte NZ's Fast 50 list for five consecutive years.

This year the company ranked third in the Masters of Growth category. That category measures revenue growth over a five-year period.

The new Auckland headquarters marks another stage in Auror's expansion. The company is adding staff across product, engineering and customer-facing roles.

Thomson said the business intends to keep building from its New Zealand base while adding more overseas offices and customers.