Forestry and wood processing job losses: mill closures, harvesting and what support exists

What has been reported

Industry bodies and unions point to weak log prices and timber demand, higher energy and operating costs, and trade uncertainty. Wood processors in several regions describe energy cost as a major challenge. These are the reasons given by the businesses and are not independent Stats NZ findings.

Your rights if your mill or crew is affected

1. A closure or restructure still requires a genuine reason and consultation, unless the company is insolvent and in liquidation or receivership.
2. Check your agreement for notice, redundancy compensation and any 'collective' mill agreement negotiated by your union.
3. Many forestry workers are engaged through harvesting contractors, not the forest owner. If you are an employee, your employer is the contractor. If the contractor loses a contract, ask for a written explanation, since this can be a redundancy.
4. Get your final pay and holiday pay. If your employer is insolvent, claim with the liquidator and use the final-pay tool.
5. Raise a personal grievance within 90 days if you think the process was unfair.

Support available

Work and Income offers redeployment support for people facing redundancy. Its page says you can contact them before your job ends, even if no decisions have been made. Support can include a named contact who helps with your CV and cover letter, looks for jobs or training, connects you with employers and arranges financial support between jobs.

• Email RedeploymentSupport@msd.govt.nz (the address Work and Income lists for redundancy support).
• Call Work and Income on 0800 559 009 to talk about payments such as Jobseeker Support or a Transition to Work Grant.
• Book a free career conversation with the Direct Career Service on 0800 222 733.

• Unions such as E tū and Workers First often organise group meetings, CV workshops and employer days after closures. Ask your delegate.
• Local councils and economic development agencies sometimes run job expos and retraining referrals for closures in smaller towns.
• Employers planning a larger closure can contact MSD early (the Work and Income Employer Line is 0800 778 008) to ask what group support is possible. If you are a manager, please make that call.

Where forestry skills transfer

• Harvesting and silviculture: planting, pruning, thinning and harvesting continue in many areas. Contractors vary in how they treat workers, so check pay and safety.
• Log trucking and heavy transport: class 4/5 and forklift tickets open freight and construction work.
• Other wood plants: other sawmills, panel plants, engineered timber and pulp mills.
• Heavy machinery operator roles in civil construction, mining and quarrying.
• Mechanical, electrical and engineering maintenance trades.
• Biosecurity, conservation and pest control work with DOC, regional councils and iwi.

Moving for work is a big step. If you rent or own in a small town, the money, schooling and family effects matter. Ask Work and Income whether a Transition to Work Grant could help with the costs of starting work, and read the regional guides.