New Zealand's Northland Mill closure confirmed, putting 230 jobs at risk
Oji Fibre Solutions has confirmed the closure of its Northland Pulp and Paper Mill in New Zealand, putting 230 workers at risk in what unions called the region's largest industrial job loss. The union has urged the government to provide a last-minute lifeline.
Oji Fibre Solutions confirmed the Northland Pulp and Paper Mill will halt production by 30 September, following recent closures at Kawerau and Whakatāne. The company cited three consecutive years of losses, higher energy costs and a slump in global pulp prices.
First Union secretary Dennis Maga said technical redundancy talks have begun for the 230 affected members and called for government intervention. Economic development minister Melissa Lee said the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment is preparing a transition package. The mill is Northland's largest employer outside farming and forestry, and its closure will hit supplier chains in Whangārei.
Other forestry firms including New Zealand King Salmon and Tasman Pulp said they are reviewing investment plans. The Reserve Bank of New Zealand's July meeting is being watched for monetary policy signals; the NZX 50 forestry segment fell about 1.1% intraday.
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