Juken New Zealand’s Kaitāia mill closes as workers leave
Juken New Zealand’s Kaitāia mill has officially closed its doors ahead of schedule, marking the end of a long-standing local employer. While most staff have been redeployed or made redundant, a small crew remains to assist with the final decommissioning of machinery.
Why it matters
The closure reflects broader economic challenges in the forestry and manufacturing sectors, impacting regional employment and community stability.
Juken New Zealand’s Northland Mill is closing its gates for the final time, with most employees finishing work before the company’s previously signalled closure date.
Workers First Union organiser Marcus Coverdale said the mill “closes today. Two weeks ahead of schedule,” and only a small crew remained at the Kaitāia site as the mill wound up operations , marking the end of an era for one of the Far North’s long-standing employers.
“Majority of the workers have already finished up, either through redeployment, retirement or redundancy.”
Coverdale said there was a sombre mood at the mill as operations came to an end.
“It’s cold and it’s pretty sad over there.”
“I drove into the car park and there were probably five cars in there. Usually there would be about 30-odd. Everything has really wrapped up.”
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