Manager Graham Dobbs said 24 permanent staff and six casual staff would lose their jobs when the Takitimu Home closes on April 18.
Mr Dobbs was saddened that the Takitimu Board of Trustees had to make the decision it took on Thursday, but believed it was "the only prudent thing for the board to have done".
Natasha Lindsay, the head chef, said she had worked at the home for the past 16 years.
"It was my first real job. I've just been burying my head in the sand."
Mr Dobbs said 18 rest-home residents, three boarding tenants and one flat tenant would need to find alternative accommodation.
E Tu union organiser Anna Huffstutler said the union was trying to help its members find alternative employment.
Mr Dobbs was confident the residents would "easily find alternative facilities ... as there are a large number of rest-home beds vacant within the city".
