GrabOne Relaunches Under New Kiwi Ownership After Liquidation

WELLINGTON (Azat TV) – New Zealand’s popular deals platform, GrabOne, officially relaunched on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, under the new ownership of Wellington-based Paradigm Group. This significant return comes months after its previous owner, Global Marketplace New Zealand Limited, went into liquidation, leaving a void for both consumers and local businesses across Aotearoa.

The relaunch marks a new chapter for the iconic brand, which was acquired by Paradigm Group for an undisclosed sum. The new entity is focused on bringing GrabOne back to its roots, emphasizing a curated selection of ‘experiences, escapes, and activities’ and incorporating modern digital marketing strategies to enhance visibility for its merchant partners.

GrabOne’s Return Under Paradigm Group Leadership

Paradigm Group chief executive Jonty Hodge stated that the decision to revive GrabOne stemmed from the recognition that its previous shutdown had deprived merchants of a genuinely effective sales channel. “It’s a really well-known, iconic brand, and we thought it was definitely something worth saving,” Hodge said, underscoring the platform’s historical value to the New Zealand market. He highlighted the new ownership’s commitment to investing heavily in technology and offering a robust service.

Leading the revitalized platform is Paul Raeburn, an original GrabOne employee, who now serves as its new head. Raeburn emphasized that the relaunch is not merely for nostalgia but represents ‘a reset focused on quality and long-term value.’ He acknowledged that certain aspects of the old platform, such as its reliance on email, were outdated. The new GrabOne, leveraging Paradigm Group’s broader digital expertise, will utilize a comprehensive suite of digital marketing channels and enhanced payment technology to improve the experience for both merchants and customers.

Addressing Past Challenges and Liquidation

GrabOne’s previous operator, Global Marketplace New Zealand Limited (which acquired the platform in 2021), entered liquidation in October 2025. Liquidators Daniel Stoneman and Neale Jackson of Calibre Partners attributed the shutdown to ‘funding constraints.’ Their reports identified more than $16.5 million owed to creditors, including Inland Revenue and staff, with a substantial $9.2 million owed to a related party creditor. The next report on the liquidation status is anticipated in April.

The closure last year significantly impacted over 350,000 Kiwis and more than 1,000 businesses that relied on GrabOne as an acquisition and inventory optimization channel. Conrad Banks, general manager of Dockside Restaurant and Bar, a long-time merchant, noted that his establishment alone had generated over $6 million in sales through GrabOne over time, illustrating the platform’s substantial economic impact.

A Renewed Focus for Merchants and Customers

For its launch, the new GrabOne has already secured 30 local businesses, including prominent Wellington establishments like Dockside Restaurant & Bar, Vivo Hair Salon, and Brewtown. Paradigm Group plans to integrate its existing portfolio of businesses, such as Aro Digital, Obvious Brand Partners, and Kepla Systems, to offer merchants comprehensive support, including professional photography, strategic media buying, and performance insights.

Jonty Hodge explained that these synergies would allow businesses to not only use GrabOne as an acquisition channel but also grow their own brands simultaneously. The new owners are confident in their ability to ‘reignite the brand’ as a trusted way for customers to find value and for businesses to acquire new customers. However, it is important to note that the new GrabOne will not be able to honor any vouchers or deals offered by the previous ownership.

The return of GrabOne under local ownership signals a potential revitalization of the online deals market in New Zealand, addressing a clear demand from both consumers seeking value and businesses looking for effective customer acquisition channels, especially given the platform’s historical significance and previous market penetration.