Juken New Zealand (JNL) has begun a formal consultation process with employees to discuss the future of its Triboard Mill located in Kaitaia, after efforts to secure a buyer that would retain the existing workforce were unsuccessful.
The company outlined two possible courses of action: a sale of the mill’s land, buildings, and associated assets to a current prospective buyer, or, if agreement cannot be reached, the closure of the site with ongoing attempts to sell the property.
The consultation period will run until 4pm on 25 November 2026.
Under either scenario, JNL would end operations at the Triboard Mill by mid-March 2027 at the latest, though activities could cease earlier depending on operational considerations.
JNL had been seeking a buyer for the Triboard business since March in a bid to secure ongoing employment and a sustainable future for the site.
The company reported that it has been unable to find a purchaser for the business willing to retain all current employees or to identify an alternative arrangement that would allow the mill to remain profitable in the long term.
Negotiations are now underway with a party interested in acquiring the site’s land, buildings, and assets, but no binding agreement has yet been finalised.
The prospective buyer has indicated an intention to recommence operations at the Kaitaia site with new ownership and management if a sale proceeds. The timing and details of any potential employment have not been determined and would be managed by the new owner.
JNL’s proposals come in response to market challenges facing Triboard, including reduced demand in major markets, increased operating costs, and insufficient workloads to support ongoing activities at the mill.
Products from the company’s Wairarapa operations and its forestry operations in Wairarapa and Gisborne are unaffected by the proposals under consideration.
Products from the company’s Wairarapa operations, and its forestry operations in Wairarapa and Gisborne, are unaffected by the proposals under consideration.
JNL stated that no decisions have been made at this stage and that feedback from employees during the consultation process will be reviewed before the Board determines the next steps.
The company also indicated a willingness to work with local and central government authorities and other stakeholders should a sale agreement be reached.
