"For generations, two centres of gravity in New Zealand's central Ruapehu region had enough pull to entice people to the area and keep them there: the mountains and the mills. Mount Ruapehu, the country's largest active volcano, lured people to its snowy slopes for work and play, while the local mills run by the region's largest employer, Winstone Pulp International kept generations of families in employment."
"The earthquake-prone building now sits in limbo in the shadow of the mountain. The biggest blow, however, occurred in October 2024. After nearly 50 years in business, Winstone Pulp announced it was closing its two mills near one of the region's towns, Ohakune, due to high energy prices. More than 230 workers were laid off and scores of other businesses who relied on the mills suffered."
Two historical anchors in the central Ruapehu region were Mount Ruapehu's ski industry and local forestry mills operated by Winstone Pulp International. Global warming reduced snowfall and shortened ski seasons, triggering mountain worker layoffs. The Chateau Tongariro hotel closed in 2023 after nearly a century, leaving an earthquake-prone building in limbo. In October 2024 Winstone Pulp announced closure of two mills near Ohakune due to high energy prices, laying off more than 230 workers and affecting supporting businesses. Ohakune and nearby Raetihi saw shop vacancies, houses for sale and residents moving away.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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