Behind the scenes, government agencies, local MPS and unions have been working up to two years to help find a new buyer and keep the mill s 210 skilled staff in the region. However, in March, workers began preparing for the worst when the mill announced it was closing in June because its parent company was taking its work elsewhere.
RNZ
The Detail explores why the wood processing industry is under stress and why New Zealand continues to send so many raw logs to China without turning them into something more valuable. One of the two unions involved, First Union, welcomed the news and the benefits it could bring.
Union officials said news that the mill might be saved had been received with relief by many staff. Others had prepared themselves for redundancy or were already planning to move on. Karl Gradon, general manager of strategy for Toi EDA, the Eastern Bay of Plenty s economic development agency, said it would make sense for the mill to head further into recyclable products. I think there is definitely a consensus that the products that the mill makes today are going to have to change.
Rosa Woods/Stuff
Mayor Judy Turner: “Whakatāne is resilient”. High value, food service, high growth, biogradeable, single plastic-replacing packaging is the right thing for it to be in. Is the way they are doing it today the most effective and efficient? Probably not and that s where any incoming investor is going to look.”
‘’This is despite New Zealand’s competitive advantage of having one of the world’s largest sustainable plantation forests and renewable energy.’’ At the site this week, more than 200 workers were in shock over this week s news that the 80-year old mill might close. Raymond Wheeler, a spokesman for E tū Union, said emotions on the site were running high. Some people were angry, others who were older were more philosophical and would walk away with a good redundancy and pension. ‘’The younger ones, some have bought houses, assets and cars, and they re starting their careers and within the area there s not a lot of opportunity to get work with their skill set, and they are highly trained and skilled.’’
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