Tokoroa South Waikato Sports News

24/03/2025

Tuku Pole Symposium, many years ago

19/03/2025

14/03/2025

a few pics

13/03/2025

One of the 100s of pics I did for Michael Robyn's, a great man with an amazing lady at his side. Evoke many memories

13/03/2025

A few pics of Secondary Schools Mid-Zone Qualifiers

23/02/2025

Is this to be the future of Number 6 Paper Machine ???

To sit back and have no say is not my style. Some may argue I’m wasting my time, but obviously I do not. Copies have been snail mailed and emailed to Japanese Embassy Wellington

The Honourable Prime Minister of Japan

Dear Prime Minister,

I am writing to express my deep concern and disappointment regarding the dishonourable actions of Oji Fibre Solutions, a subsidiary of Oji Holdings, in their handling of the closure of the Kinleith Paper mill in Tokoroa.

The closure not only affects the employees but also has a ripple effect on the local economy, impacting families, businesses, and the overall social fabric of our town. Oji Fibre Solutions' decision to discontinue paper production at Kinleith Mill, despite being a significant employer in the region, demonstrates a lack of consideration for the community's well-being.

The sudden and unexpected closure of the mill, resulting in the loss of up to 230 jobs, has had a devastating impact on our community. This decision demonstrates a lack of consideration for the well-being of the employees, their families, and the local community, which is contrary to the principles of "honne" and "tatemae" that emphasise honour, respect, and responsibility.

As a nation that values honour and reputation, I urge you to take notice of the consequences of Oji Fibre Solutions' actions and consider the reputation of Japanese businesses operating abroad. I request your intervention to ensure that Oji Holdings and its subsidiaries adhere to socially responsible practices, especially when operating in foreign countries.

As the Prime Minister of Japan, I request your intervention to ensure that Oji Holdings and its subsidiaries adhere to socially responsible practices, especially when operating in foreign countries.

I would appreciate a response regarding any actions your government plans to take to address this situation and prevent similar occurrences in the future.

Sincerely,

Chris Williams
Tokoroa Resident
60+yrs

08/12/2024

Found buried at the back of my garage
Who'd know we're it needs to be located
A lot of history here

05/12/2024

Tok folk helping Tok Folk
Kinleith contractors organised Via Pat Patricia Anne Lancaster, once again donated an abundance of presents for our deserving children of Tokoroa.
Big Thank you to the following Kinlieth Contractors for supporting our Town
Intergroup--Midland Scaffolding & Rigging
Page & Macrae--ISS Scaffolding & Rigging
IMG--McKay—Culham
Benefactors of these amazing donations are Tokoroa’s Women’s Refuge and SWPICS
Thank to all who were involved.

25/11/2024

Since hearing once again my hometown is going through this bu****it, I pencilled these questions that could be asked regarding a leading Pulp and Paper company closing part of its plant with Japanese owners in New Zealand:

19. Number 6 currently produces our linerboard and corrugated medium for our fruit packaging industry; Will Oji now send all our logs to Malaysia to use its cheap labour workforce?
20. Has Oji been buying up a lot of our forestry? If so, why? The Millions of dollars used to buy up our land and forest, I’d suggest was at the expense of our Town and Mill.

1. What are the (REAL)reasons behind the closure of the plant?
2. How many jobs (downstream) will be lost due to the closure?
3. What will be the impact on the local economy and community?
4. Will the closure affect the company's overall production and supply chain?
5. Are there any plans for restructuring or downsizing in other parts of the company?
6. How will the company support affected employees during this transition?
7. What are the long-term plans for the company's operations in New Zealand?
8. Will the closure lead to any environmental concerns or impacts?
9. How does the closure align with the company's sustainability and environmental policies?
10. Are there any plans for re-investment or re-development of the closed plant site?
11. How will the closure affect the company's relationships with local suppliers and contractors?
12. What are the implications for the New Zealand forestry and wood products industry as a whole?
13. Will the company consider re-opening the plant in the future if market conditions improve?
14. How does the closure reflect on the company's commitment to its New Zealand operations and stakeholders?
15. Are there any regulatory or government-related factors that contributed to the closure?
16. Can number 6 paper machine swap to making PULP? (I believe so)
17. Has a committee been set up by ALL parties who work at the Mill?
18. What is the data re (Production compared to Maintenance) costs over the past several years.