BP may outsource day-to-day running of BP Connect stores, job losses unclear

Tuesday, 7 July 2026

BP is considering outsourcing the “day-to-day running” of its Connect stores to independent contractors, a union says.

BP is “considering changes to its operating model at company-owned sites in New Zealand”.

The E tū union says it has 216 members working at Connect stores and Wild Bean Cafés, but believes total staff numbers are much higher.

The fuel company says no decision has been made and it is consulting staff and the union.

Hundreds of staff at BP’s Connect chain face uncertainty, with the global fuel giant considering outsourcing the service stations’ day-to-day running.

There are more than 100 Connect sites across the country, owned by BP subsidiary, Coro Trading NZ.

The E tū union confirmed it has 216 members at BP Connect stations and attached Wild Bean Cafés, but union membership is believed to make up just 10-20% of total staff.

It said they had been told BP was considering outsourcing the “day-to-day running” of the Connect stores to independent contractors.

E tū director Finn O'Dwyer-Cunliffe said BP notified the union “ahead of any formal decision”.

It’s unclear how staff may be impacted if the change goes ahead.

“We are trying to find out as much information as we can. We recognise it will be an uncertain time for our workers,” O’Dwyer-Cunliffe told Stuff.

“Nothing is guaranteed at this stage and we are here to work with them and support them as best we can.”

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In a statement, BP said as part of “regular business reviews” the firm is “considering changes to its operating model at company-owned sites in New Zealand”.

A BP spokesperson said any changes would not affect its “continued presence in New Zealand”.

“We have notified our workforce and we are engaging with the union. Our priority is supporting our workforce throughout this process,” a spokesperson said.

They added that any potential movement would “not impact bp’s continued presence in New Zealand”.

“New Zealand is an important market for bp, where we are proud to have been operating since 1946 and intend to continue operating to meet the needs of our customers.”

Pressed on how many staff could be affected and exactly how the operating model could change, BP would not comment.

Roughly 3000 people are employed by BP across the company’s wider New Zealand operations. It’s unclear how many work for Coro Trading.

BP markets the Connect sites as a “local neighbourhood convenience store where a park is almost always available right outside the door”.

Last month the Commerce Commission said charges would be filed against BP for failing to give customers fuel discounts and issuing incorrect prices at BP Connect.

Commerce Commission deputy chair, Anne Callinan, said the case reflected the regulator’s focus on ensuring large companies met their obligations to consumers.

“I have limited patience when it comes to large, well-resourced businesses who aren’t investing in their systems to get the basics right,” she said at the time.