Mayor Outrage and Despair as Carter Holt Harvey Omits Western Bay: Sawmill Staff Devastated

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September 5,2025

Tasman Sawmill Closure Leaves Over 140 Workers Facing Job Loss

Teh Eves Valley sawmill near Nelson,New Zealand,owned by carter Holt Harvey,is set to close its doors,resulting in the displacement of more than 140 employees. this proclamation comes despite last-minute efforts by local officials to find a solution that would preserve operations at the facility.

Last-Ditch Efforts Fail to Sway Carter Holt Harvey

Tasman Mayor Tim King and Nelson Mayor Nick Smith jointly appealed to Carter Holt Harvey to postpone the closure for one year. Their proposal centered on utilizing a ample volume of timber-referred to as a “wall of wood”-leftover from recent severe winter storms. Unfortunately, their plea was dismissed, with the company confirming its decision to proceed with the shutdown next month, as communicated to staff on Thursday.

Mayor Smith voiced his frustration, stating that Carter Holt Harvey exhibited a lack of courtesy by refusing to engage in discussion with him and Mayor King after receiving a formal letter outlining their concerns on Monday. He emphasized the company’s longstanding presence and profitability in the region-over four decades-and suggested a greater sense of duty was warranted.

community Impact and Search for Alternatives

The impending closure is expected to have notable repercussions for the local economy. Mayor King is actively collaborating with government authorities and Ministers to secure support for affected workers, focusing on assisting them in finding new employment opportunities. According to Stats NZ, the forestry and logging sector contributes approximately 1.2% to New Zealand’s GDP, making closures like this notably impactful.

Mayor King expressed bewilderment over the lack of exploration into choice operational models,such as leasing the mill to another operator. He suspects that Carter Holt Harvey’s intention is to permanently mothball the site, despite recent investments totaling over $25 million in upgrades like new kilns and drying sheds over the past five years. These improvements were intended to enhance efficiency, making the closure all the more disheartening.

Workers Express disappointment and Uncertainty

Union delegate Maria Hemara described the workforce as “broken” following the announcement.She conveyed the deep sense of loss and camaraderie among colleagues and the uncertainty surrounding their future. Hemara, who has worked at the mill for six years, acknowledged that employees had anticipated the possibility of closure but were still profoundly affected.

Rachel Mackintosh, national Secretary of the E tū union, criticized the closure as an unneeded corporate decision. She highlighted that this closure follows a previous restructuring,leaving workers feeling increasingly vulnerable and destabilized.

The shutdown will be phased, beginning next month and concluding by the end of November.

Key Facts: Carter Holt Harvey Mill Closure

Fact	Details
Location	Eves Valley, near Nelson, New zealand
Company	Carter Holt Harvey
Job Losses	Over 140
Closure Timeline	Phased, starting next month, completed by end of November
Recent Investment	over $25 million in upgrades (kilns, drying sheds)

Did you know? According to the Ministry for Primary Industries, the forestry sector is a vital part of New Zealand’s export economy, generating over $6.5 billion in export revenue annually.

Pro Tip: For individuals affected by job losses, exploring government-funded training programs and career counseling services is a proactive step towards securing future employment.

What impact will this closure have on the wider Tasman region’s economy? How can communities best support workers transitioning to new industries?

Understanding the Broader Context of Mill Closures

Mill closures are unfortunately becoming a recurring theme in the forestry industry globally. Factors contributing to these decisions include fluctuations in timber prices, changing market demands, environmental regulations and the rise of automation. Analyzing these broader trends is crucial for understanding the long-term implications of the Eves Valley closure.

The increasing focus on lasting forestry practices is also reshaping the industry. Companies are under growing pressure to demonstrate responsible forest management and reduce their environmental footprint. This can lead to investments in new technologies and processes, perhaps impacting the viability of older mills like the one in Tasman.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Carter Holt Harvey Closure

• What is causing the Carter Holt Harvey sawmill to close? The company has cited consolidation of operations at its Kawerau plant as the primary reason, despite recent investments in the Eves Valley mill.
• How many jobs will be lost due to the sawmill closure? More than 140 workers will lose their jobs as an inevitable result of the phased closure.
• What is being done to support affected workers? Local mayors and the union are working with government agencies to provide support, including job search assistance and retraining programs.
• what is the economic impact of the closure on the Tasman region? The closure is expected to have a significant impact on the local economy, given the forestry sector’s contribution to regional GDP.
• Could the mill have been saved? Local officials proposed a temporary delay to utilize storm-damaged timber, but Carter Holt Harvey declined the offer.
• What are the long-term trends affecting the forestry industry? Changing market demands, environmental regulations, and the adoption of automation are all impacting the industry’s future.
• What does the future hold for forestry in New Zealand? A greater focus on sustainable practices and value-added wood products is expected to drive innovation and growth in the sector.

Share your thoughts in the comments below – what more can be done to support affected communities and workers during times of industrial change?

What specifically prompted Carter Holt Harvey to omit the Western Bay sawmill from its future plans?

The Shockwave of Closure: Carter Holt Harvey’s Decision

The Western Bay community is reeling following Carter Holt Harvey’s (CHH) announcement regarding the omission of the local sawmill from its future operational plans. This decision,shrouded in secrecy until a late-stage reveal,has triggered an outpouring of outrage,despair,and genuine concern for the economic future of the region. The sawmill closure is set to have a significant impact, and the local government, represented by the Mayor, is vocally expressing its disapproval.

The Impact on the Community

The immediate effects are substantial. CHH, a major employer in the area, provided crucial jobs directly and indirectly supporting many local businesses.The sawmill staff are facing an uncertain future, with potential unemployment and the need to relocate for work. The knock-on effects extend to small businesses, impacting local supply chains and weakening the economic viability of the Western Bay.

• Job Losses: Hundreds of skilled workers face redundancy. This will have a significant impact on family income.
• Economic Downturn: Local businesses reliant on the sawmill will struggle.
• Community Morale: The pervasive sense of loss and uncertainty casts a depressing shadow over the Western Bay. The economic impact of sawmill closures is truly devastating.

Mayor’s Response: A Call for Action

The Mayor of Western Bay has not minced words. Condemning CHH’s decision as “short-sighted” and “devastating,” the Mayor has pledged to fight on behalf of the affected community. The Mayor’s office released a statement highlighting the importance of the sawmill to the region’s economy and the wellbeing of its residents. The situation is a stark example of a corporate closure impact on a small town.

Demands and Strategies

The Mayor is leading the charge,demanding clarity from CHH. The community requires openness regarding the rationale behind the decision and seeking a commitment from CHH to support affected workers. Potential strategies include:

• Lobbying: Direct engagement with CHH executives and government officials.
• Community Meetings: Organizing forums to address concerns and provide support to workers.
• Economic Growth Plans: Exploring opportunities for job creation and industry diversification.

The Broader Implications: Industry and Policy

The situation at Western Bay also raises broader questions about the timber industry and the policy landscape. The lumber industry challenges impact local communities and the economy as a whole. The reliance of a region on a single major employer exposes it to inherent vulnerabilities.

Looking Ahead

Several crucial questions remain. What is the future of the sawmill site? Will CHH offer sufficient support for displaced employees? What steps will be taken to fortify other industries within Western Bay? The future of Western Bay hangs in the balance. The need for government intervention is paramount.

Case Study: Similar Sawmill Closures in the Past

In the past, other sawmill closures have shown similar patterns resulting in severe negative impacts on the families and communities that were reliant on the mill.

What Are the Impacts of Unforeseen Closures?

• Increased Unemployment: When a sawmill closes,the immediate effect is a surge in unemployment for directly employed sawmill workers. LSI Keywords: Job losses, redundancy.
• Economic recession : The indirect repercussions include reduced revenue for support businesses and decreased tax income for the local government. LSI Keywords: Loss of business, economic hardship.
• Population Decline: People will leave an area due to an inability to find jobs close by resulting in a drop of the rate of population. LSI Keywords: Reduced property sales, loss of community.