Statement from Yasufumi Tsuchiya, Director, Juken New Zealand (JNL)
Juken New Zealand has concluded consultation with employees regarding the future of Northland Mill and has made the difficult decision to proceed with the closure of the mill.
This decision follows an extensive process to identify a buyer or alternative arrangement that would allow the mill to continue operating in a financially sustainable way. Over recent months, we explored a range of options, including a sale process and other potential business arrangements. Despite those efforts, we were unable to identify a viable pathway forward.
Before reaching this decision, we undertook a formal consultation process with employees and union representatives. We carefully considered the feedback received and would like to thank everyone who participated in that process.
We recognise the significance of this announcement for our employees, their whānau and the wider Northland community. Many people have dedicated years of service to Northland Mill, and we acknowledge the impact this decision will have.
Our focus now is supporting affected employees through the next stage of the process.
This includes discussions about redeployment opportunities across JNL, as well as access to a range of services including financial advice, wellbeing support, and employment and training opportunities.
The current plan is for the mill to close by 21st August 2026. Production activity will gradually reduce over the coming weeks as remaining work is completed.
While the decision has been made to close Northland Mill, we remain open to conversations with potential buyers and continue to explore opportunities relating to the land and assets. We will provide further updates if there are any developments.
The decision relates to Northland Mill only. By way of a reminder, Northland Mill produces veneer only. Triboard and Strandboard produced at Triboard Mill and J-frame, J-ply and solid wood produced at Wairarapa Mill are not impacted by this announcement.
The process to explore a potential sale of Triboard as a going concern remains ongoing.
JNL remains committed to New Zealand and to maintaining a sustainable forestry and manufacturing business here. Decisions relating to the Kaitaia mills have been made with the long-term viability of the wider business in mind.
ENDS
About Juken New Zealand Ltd (as of July 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.
