Statement from Yasufumi Tsuchiya, Director, Juken New Zealand (JNL)
Juken New Zealand has today begun a formal consultation process with employees regarding a proposal to close its Northland Mill.
This proposal reflects challenging market conditions, including falling demand in key markets, rising costs and insufficient work to keep the mill operating sustainably.
JNL has made an extensive effort to identify a buyer or alternative pathway that would allow the site to continue operating, but this has not resulted in a viable option at this time.
Triboard isn’t impacted by the proposal, and the process to explore a potential sale of that site as a going concern is continuing.
No final decisions have been made. We are committed to a thorough consultation process and are seeking feedback from employees and union representatives before determining next steps.
We recognise the impact this will have on employees and their families and are providing access to support services throughout the process.
ENDS
About Juken New Zealand Ltd (as of June 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.
