Winstone Pulp International, a major employer in the Ruapehu District for 45 years, has closed its doors for the final time.
The mill provided hundreds of jobs and contributed millions to the local economy, forming the backbone of the community. Workers spent years at the mill, developing skills, forging friendships, and building lives around the industry. As operations wound down, many were left grappling with the emotional and economic impact of the closure, marking the end of an era for the district.
With the mill’s closure, workers are moving on to new opportunities, though the future of the site remains uncertain. The company has not confirmed what will happen to the property, though it is understood that the remaining wood will be sold to Nature’s Flame for use in producing wood pellets. The closure raises concerns for the local community, with many worried about the economic fallout if tourism fails to sustain the area.
Most of those workers will find it difficult to find a job like they had. This is just the beginning of the fallout of huge hikes in power bills from green energy. This doesn’t only affect household bills but industry survival. No jobs, no money, no money for bills, a financial disaster waiting to happen.
You will own nothing and will be happy coming to a town near you.
Very sad.
They need to develop it for tourism is the only option. Easy bike trails and easy tramps then that appeals for more people and older people. It’s a beautiful area. Hot pools another idea. I would come.
Kia kaha to all the people.