27 March 2002

"News that up to 400 jobs could be lost at the Kinleith pulp and paper mill in Tokoroa is a warning to the Government about the failure of its policies," says National's Economic and Regional Development spokesman Tony Ryall.

Mr Ryall says this news will be devastating and destabilising for Kinleith's workforce and a major blow to the central North Island timber town.

"I can sympathise with their plight as a similar thing happened in my electorate with the downsizing of the Tasman mill."

Mr Ryall says Carter Holt Harvey and the responsible Government agencies must assist and support the workers in any way they can.

"I note that Jim Anderton is always quick to take credit for any new jobs created in the regions - claiming it's because of his Government's policies.

"My question to Mr Anderton and the rest of the Government is: If its polices are so good, then why is Carter Holt Harvey planning to lay off 400 workers?

"Kinleith's workforce - and many other people around the regions - will be wanting to know what has happened to Jim Anderton's much hyped job machine, because it has certainly failed Tokoroa," Mr Ryall concluded.

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