New Zealand

This is another community being decimated by the move towards depression and economic collapse.

Down in the South Island Greymouth is being decimated by job losses in the coal industry while its historic centre is being closed down on the grounds of earthquake risk.

In Christchurch the Earthquake Recovery Authority is spending large amounts of money on making itself look good

Kawerau mill's production to be halved

Norske Skog has confirmed it will halve production at its Kawerau pulp mill in eastern Bay of Plenty

Radio NZ,

11 September, 2012

The Norwegian company says demand for newsprint is falling and unfavourable exchange rates are making large-scale export to Asia unprofitable.

The announcement was made to 290 employees at the Tasman Mill on Monday morning and discussions about job losses will begin early in October.

Norske Skog says one of its two newsprint machines at the mill is likely to be closed in early 2013, but the number of jobs lost will not be clear until employees are consulted.

General manager Peter McCarty says the mill will continue to produce newsprint for Australasia and the Pacific Islands.

The Pulp and Paper Workers' Union represents about 150 workers at the mill, while the Engineering, Printing and Manufacturing Union represents about 60.

Tane Phillips, a spokesperson for the Pulp and Paper Workers' Union, told Radio New Zealand's Checkpoint programme on Monday workers are sad and angry at the situation.

Mr Phillips says most are in their 40s, so to get future employment in the area will be very hard and many are already talking about moving to Australia.

The union says 120 jobs were cut the last time a machine was shut down in 2006, while the EPMU expects the number of losses this time round will be substantial.

Kawerau mayor Malcolm Campbell says the closure is a step backwards as far as economic development for the region goes.

Mr Campbell says if 100 people were to lose their jobs, the flow-on effect would be worse and he is not sure what the future holds.

Political reaction

The Maori Party MP for Waiariki, Te Ururoa Flavell, says it is bad news for the town and for workers who now face the prospect of losing their jobs.

National MP for Rotorua Todd McClay acknowledges the move will affect a number of families in the wider area.

However, he says in the long term, he is optimistic there will be employment in Bay of Plenty for those who lose jobs at the Tasman Mill.

Labour Party leader David Shearer says Monday's announcement follows a series of job cuts around the country and is urging the Government to do more to create jobs

Mr Shearer says Norske Skog has complained about the impact of the exchange rate on its business - yet the Government is not prepared to consider any policy changes to help bring down the value of the New Zealand dollar.

Complaint about spending on quake information

Spending by the Earthquake Recovery Authority of more than $3.5 million on communications in the past financial year has angered the Wider Earthquake Communities Action Network.

Radio NZ,

11 September, 2012

Spending by the Earthquake Recovery Authority of more than $3.5 million on communications in the past financial year has angered the Wider Earthquake Communities Action Network.

Figures released to Radio New Zealand under the Official Information Act show $3.6 million was spent last financial year on communications, including wages, advertising and letter drops.

Eleven personnel are currently working for the communications unit including a media manager and two senior media advisors.

At least two live outside the city and have their accommodation costs paid, along with the expense of traveling home.

Reverend Mike Coleman of the Wider Earthquake Communities Action Network says the money would have been better spent getting proper valuations done on homes in the red zone, instead of trying to make everything in Christchurch seem more rosy than it actually is.

Authority chief executive Roger Sutton maintains taxpayers are getting good value for money and says his media team handles more media calls than other government agencies do.

He told Morning Report that 80% - 90% the communications budget is spent on talking to residents.

He said the authority organises public meetings and publishes videos, brochures and website content, and most people still want more information, not less.