Norske Skog Tasman's paper mill in Kawerau. Its last day of operation is June 30. Photo / NZME
Norske Skog Tasman's paper mill in Kawerau. Its last day of operation is June 30. Photo / NZME
Boycie Te Rire is a retired veteran of the Kawerau Norske Skog Tasman Paper Mill who knows its closure in seven days is going to be hard for his family and others in the Kawerau township.
"There have been people only 10 years into it," he says. "How will theypay for their mortgages, cars, and others? I really feel for these young ones."
The mill is closing due to the decline in the mill's sole product, newsprint, and that has been exacerbated by the Covid-19 epidemic lockdowns. The mill has seen a structural decline in the market in both its export and domestic markets.
"We are a significant exporter of newsprint so it is no longer a sustainable business," mill general manager Steve Brine says.
The mill opened in 1955, producing more than 15 million tonnes of publication paper over its lifetime.
'Stronger and better'
Meanwhile, neighbouring town Whakatāne has been given a new lease on life after an international consortium bought the mill there, which has saved 150 jobs.
The mill is running financial planning sessions, outplacement support, and groups to discuss issues with the workers. They are working with the Ministry of Social Development to look for new jobs.
Both Phillips and Te Rire are adamant Kawerau will come back stronger and better from this.
Phillips says, "There is really high hope in the community that whoever invests in this site there might be more jobs. We have got a railway line straight to the port, geothermal activity here. There is a lot of hope here with the right investment."
Te Rire says Tūwharetoa will be strong "and we will help each other get through this".
"That is what the old people have always told us to do, take care of everyone no matter who or where they are from."
