Editorial: Another proposed mill closure and New Zealand's regional rust belt

PremiumEditorialEditorialNZ Herald25 Jun, 2026 05:00 PM3 mins to readWorkers at Juken's Northland Mill in Kaitāia are facing a proposal to close. Photo / Yolisa TswanyaWorkers at Juken's Northland Mill in Kaitāia are facing a proposal to close. Photo / Yolisa TswanyaYet another blow to New Zealand’s small town economy.

This week, Japanese-owned Juken New Zealand (JNL) proposed to close its Northland Mill after failing to secure a buyer. Earlier this year the company began formal consultation on the future of its Northland Mill and Triboard Mill in