Regional job security cops double blow

The sale by Carter Holt Harvey of its pulp and paper and packaging business to a joint venture between Oji Holdings and Innovation Network Corporation of Japan, is a further blow to Kiwi-owned manufacturing industries, says Labour Leader David Cunliffe.

“What really matters to New Zealanders is good jobs in all our regions. The Government’s total lack of vision and support for domestic manufacturing and timber processing has led to a loss of confidence in these industries.

“This sale will lead to a further $1.037 billion of assets transferred into foreign ownership and ultimately make it harder for New Zealanders to control their own economic destiny.

“New Zealanders care deeply about the ability of their government to create the conditions for better jobs, higher wages and a sustainable domestic industry.

“The news of this sale comes on top of cuts at South Island saw mills, with Dunedin sawmiller Southern Cross shedding 79 jobs at its Balclutha mill, and at others across the South Island, due to lack of log supply.

“Labour’s forestry economic upgrade will ensure the supply of local timber for local mills and will address the issue of most of our timber exports being shipped offshore as whole logs.

“Under National, factories have closed, industries have haemorrhaged jobs and real wages have declined in many of our regions.

“New Zealanders deserve better than a government cutting special deals for its corporate friends – from casinos, to multinationals like Rio Tinto seeking cheap electricity, and Hollywood film studios.

“Labour’s recently-launched forestry and manufacturing policies show that we mean business and will create jobs, add value to products, keep mills and factories open and help redevelop our regional heartlands, offering hope, opportunity and choice for all New Zealanders.

“These latest blows add two more good reasons as to why Labour will lead a new government after the September election,’’ said David Cunliffe.   

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