Reports of closures and job losses mount as National Government remains inactive.
The National Government has been criticized for its lack of support for New Zealand's manufacturing sector, with recent reports indicating further closures and job losses across the country. Labour's small business and manufacturing spokesperson Helen White expressed concern over the impact on rural communities, citing the proposed closure of Kinleith Mill in Tokoroa which would affect 230 well-paid jobs.
This is not an isolated incident; several other manufacturing facilities have closed in recent times, including those in Timaru, Ruapehu District, and OJI's Penrose factory. The Labour party has questioned the Government's priorities, pointing out that millions of dollars are being spent on the Treaty Principles Bill while the manufacturing sector struggles.
The Government had previously scrapped Labour's Advanced Manufacturing Industry Transformation plan, leaving a void in support for the sector. Helen White has called on the Minister to provide a clear plan to address the crisis in manufacturing and support workers affected by job losses.