Statement from Mr Hisayuki Tsuboi, Managing Director, Juken New Zealand Ltd
“Juken New Zealand has today begun a formal consultation process regarding the future of its Northland Mill and Triboard Mill in Kaitaia.
This reflects a combination of ongoing structural and market pressures affecting these operations, including declining demand in key export markets and increasing operating costs.
We have been working over several years to improve financial performance at these sites, including increasing production and exploring new markets. Despite these efforts, we have not been able to return the mills to a sustainable footing under their current operating model.
As part of this process, we are exploring whether the mills can continue operating under a different structure, including a potential sale or joint venture. We are taking the mills to market to assess whether there is interest from potential buyers.
Our focus is on testing whether there is a viable pathway that would allow the mills to continue operating and to preserve employment where possible.
We have begun engaging with employees and unions as part of the consultation process and will consider their feedback as we work through the options.
Operations at the Kaitaia mills continue as normal, and there are no immediate changes to production or customer arrangements.
JNL remains committed to responsible forest management and maintaining a sustainable business in New Zealand.”
(Ends)
About Juken New Zealand Ltd (as of March 2026):
- Owns 30,000 hectares of sustainably managed and certified plantation forests, providing ongoing employment to over 200 forestry workers in Tairawhiti and 100 in Wairarapa.
- Has three working mills in Kaitaia and Wairarapa making wood products for local and export markets, with about 450 manufacturing employees combined.
- Owned by WoodOne Ltd, which established Juken New Zealand in 1990 and has since invested more than $NZ720 million into its forest and processing operations in NZ.
