Northland Leaders Encourage Investor Interest In Key Wood Processing Opportunity

Far North District Council, Northland Regional Council and Northland Inc are encouraging investor interest in a significant wood processing opportunity in Taitokerau, as a market process gets underway for Juken New Zealand’s (JNL) Northland operations.

PwC New Zealand (PwC) has been engaged by JNL to lead a process seeking expressions of interest from parties interested in acquiring or operating the Northland Mill and Triboard plant in Kaitaia. The process is expected to remain open until late May, after which PwC will work with interested parties to assess potential investment options.

Far North District Council, Northland Regional Council and Northland Inc say the facilities represent an established platform for wood processing in Northland, underpinned by a strong and sustainable forestry resource, experienced workforce, and access to domestic and export markets.

Roger Ackers, Group Manager for Planning and Policy at Far North District Council says attracting the right investment is critical to maintaining and building on the region’s wood processing capability.

“Forestry remains one of Northland’s key industries, and these operations play an important role in supporting regional productivity and value-add processing.”

“This process presents an opportunity for investors to build on existing capability, with the benefit of an established asset base and strong sector fundamentals.”

Approximately 200 staff are currently employed across the sites, and the Council organisations say retaining these jobs and the skills they represent is a key priority.

“Our focus is on supporting pathways that retain both employment and capability in the region, while enabling future growth.”

The councils and Northland Inc have signalled they are committed to working constructively with potential investors, where appropriate, to help enable viable proposals and support ongoing operations.

Northland Inc Head of Investment Tui Rutherford says the region offers a compelling environment for investment in wood processing.

“This is a genuine opportunity for investors to step into an established operation with strong fundamentals,” says Rutherford.

“Northland has a significant forestry resource, supported by experienced operators and well-established infrastructure. We see real potential to build on what already exists and support future growth in the sector.”

Northland Inc is working alongside councils, PwC and JNL to ensure potential investors understand the strategic value of the operations within Northland’s wider forestry system.

Northland Inc, Far North District Council and Northland Regional Council say they will continue to support efforts that help retain jobs, maintain processing capability, and position the region for long-term success.

“Our message is clear - Northland is open for business, and we are committed to supporting solutions that keep jobs, skills and investment in the region.”

Interested parties are encouraged to engage with the PwC-led sales process to explore the opportunity further.

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