Tokoroa plywood plant closure

The story so far

Carter Holt Harvey planned to close its Tokoroa plywood plant and import supply from overseas, putting up to 119 full-time jobs at risk.^{16, 27 Sep 2025} The company began consulting with staff in mid-September, and workers waited for a decision in late September.^{16, 27 Sep 2025} The closure follows a June paper mill shutdown that cut 130 roles, and a later report places the plywood plant at Kinleith rather than Tokoroa.^{1 Oct 2025} Some affected workers are looking for jobs in other towns or overseas.^{1 Oct 2025}

Latest

The plywood plant is expected to close in November, with the 119 jobs lost.^{1 Oct 2025} Some workers are already looking for work elsewhere or overseas.^{1 Oct 2025}

What's next

The plywood plant is expected to close in November.^{1 Oct 2025}

Key moments

1. 16 Sep 2025Plan to close Tokoroa plywood plant revealed; up to 119 jobs at risk.
2. 27 Sep 2025Staff consultation under way as workers await the company's decision.
3. 30 Sep 2025Company confirms closure, with 119 full-time jobs to be lost.
4. 1 Oct 2025Closure expected in November, following a June paper mill shutdown that cut 130 roles.

Written from the stories below; each sentence links to its sources.