Junken New Zealand Plans to Close Kaitāia Mill After No Buyer Found

Junken New Zealand Ltd. plans to close its Kaitāia-based Northland Mill after failing to find a buyer, 1News reported (6-24-26).

In March, the Japanese-owned company began formal consultation over the future of its Northland Mill and Triboard Mill. The proposed Northland Mill closure would affect about 60 employees.

JNL Director Yasufumi Tsuchiya said the company 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.”

“This proposal reflects challenging market conditions, including falling demand in key markets, rising costs and insufficient work to keep the mill operating sustainably,” Tsuchiya said.

Triboard is not affected by the proposal, and JNL is continuing to explore a potential sale of that site. “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.”

Workers First organizer Marcus Coverdale said staff at the Kaitāia mill were told Wednesday that no buyer had been found and that consultation on the closure proposal would begin July 8. “We’re disappointed that no buyer has been found for Northland Mill but there is still a window for central government to step up and push for a solution,” Coverdale said.