'It's a shock': Kaitāia's Northland Mill closes down two weeks early

Shock and disappointment enveloped Kaitāia's Northland Mill as it closed early, two weeks before the scheduled date, according to Marcus Coverdale of Workers First Union. The union organizer only learned of the decision late on Wednesday. The mill, which employed around 60 people, manufactured wood veneer and belonged to Juken NZ.

Juken NZ still owned the Triboard Mill, with 140 jobs, but its future remained uncertain. Earlier this year, the company expressed intent to sell both mills. Coverdale revealed a skeleton crew committed to keeping the Northland Mill operational until August 21. The workers' reactions were somber, with many ready to start new chapters in their lives.

Amid the closure, 10 older workers at the Triboard Mill chose voluntary redundancy, creating opportunities for younger laid-off workers. Juken NZ pledged to pay staff out in lieu of notice and provide wage increases and backpay. Coverdale expressed hope for a potential buyer for the Northland Mill site, with the council consents, materials, and machinery included.

However, another interested party was set to tour the Triboard Mill site on Friday. The closure would have significant ripple effects in Northland, including the loss of wages in the local community and support for smaller businesses. Juken NZ director Yasufumi Tsuchiya confirmed redundancy payments were made this week, with final pay to be distributed next week.

Tsuchiya also highlighted that 28 employees found new roles within Juken NZ, including 19 at Triboard Mill. The remaining 44 employees were either retiring or seeking new jobs. Juken NZ offered support from various government agencies and hosted a job fair to assist affected workers in finding new employment. Despite the closure of the Northland Mill, Juken NZ continued to explore future opportunities for the site and the Triboard Mill.