446 days ago

Spiralling energy costs and falling paper prices land ‘devastating’ blow on Tokoroa

Libby Totton Reporter from Waikato Times

The 230 workers set to lose their jobs at Tokoroa’s Kinleith Mill - 2.2% of the entire South Waikato workforce - have been caught between double-digit production cost hikes and falling paper prices in what one economist said is a “devastating” blow to the Waikato town.

News of the job cuts came on Wednesday after workers were told parent company Oji Fibre Solutions was facing “extreme financial headwinds”.

Image
More messages from your neighbours
22 days ago

Poll: As a customer, what do you think about automation?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

The Press investigates the growing reliance on your unpaid labour.

Automation (or the “unpaid shift”) is often described as efficient ... but it tends to benefit employers more than consumers.

We want to know: What do you think about automation?
Are you for, or against?

Image
As a customer, what do you think about automation?
  • 9.5% For. Self-service is less frustrating and convenient.
    9.5% Complete
  • 43.4% I want to be able to choose.
    43.4% Complete
  • 47.1% Against. I want to deal with people.
    47.1% Complete
2518 votes
6 hours ago

The butcher with a taste for adventure

Libby Totton Reporter from Waikato Times

Jonathan and Sarah Walker are a couple with a give-it-a-go attitude to life, whether it’s travelling the world in a Land Rover or starting a butchery business with no experience.

Nestled below Hakarimata Scenic Reserve just outside of Ngāruawāhia is Soggy Bottom Holding, the local butcher you’ll recognise from frosty mornings at the farmer’s markets.

Image
8 hours ago

‘Devastated and disappointed’ - former students hope it wasn’t one of their own

Libby Totton Reporter from Waikato Times

Former students of Taupō Nui-a-Tia College say they’re “devastated” and “disappointed” after the alleged arson at their school which has left an entire block of classrooms, and a health centre destroyed by fire.

Emergency services were called to the school about 2.15pm on Sunday, when plumes of black smoke could be seen across town.

Image