Winstone Pulp International Mill closure – Early response support available to the Rangitīkei

Ministry of Social Development (MSD) Early Response Teams are on site and in regular contact with workers and management at Winstone Pulp Mill.

MSD will lead the immediate support response. Future strategies and longer-term community needs mapping will be co-ordinated through Ruapehu Mayor Weston Kirton and Rangitīkei Mayor Andy Watson, involving iwi and other key stakeholders.

The below is the first of a series of Ministry of Social Development bulletins designed to provide ongoing support and information for those impacted by the recent Winstone Pulp International Mills closures:

Help and support from Work and Income when facing job losses

• MSD know this is a difficult time for everyone affected by the mill closure and they're here to help you.
• Staff from MSD will be running redundancy seminars in the coming weeks at the mill, Winstone Pulp International, SH49.
• The seminars will give you information about how MSD can help you find another job.
• They'll let you know about financial help, a benefit, stand down times and any other financial support you could be eligible for.

The seminars are open to anyone working on site. They’ll also talk with you (one-on-one).

Staff from Inland Revenue Department (IRD) will be on site at the same time and available to talk.

• Wednesday 18 September 9am – 3pm
• Thursday 19 September 9am – 3pm
• Wednesday 25 September 9am – 3pm
• Thursday 26 September 9am-3pm

Further information about Work and Income financial support

Call 0800 559 009 for general enquiries
Register for the MyMSD online service: https://www.workandincome.govt...
Check out the online guide: Check what you might get (msd.govt.nz)
Visit our service centres in Marton, Ohakune, Taihape, Taumarunui, Tūrangi and Whanganui
There’s more Redundancy Support information on our Work and Income website www.workandincome.govt.nz

Other places where you can access support

Thrive: A programme to help newly unemployed skilled professionals. Find out more at thrive.net.nz

Umbrella: Wellbeing eLearning modules focused on mental health and wellbeing. Find out more at umbrella.org.nz, contact the team on 0800 123 415 or email learning@umbrella.org.nz

Work and Income Service Centres in the Rangitīkei
Marton
238-248 Broadway

Taihape
58 Tui Street
Taihape

Rangitīkei District Council is committed to supporting individuals and their whānau to navigate the challenging period ahead.

“Moving forward, the wellbeing of our community is an absolute priority for myself and Council. I will continue to work alongside Mayor Kirton in Ruapehu to ensure all those impacted are receiving the support they need”, says Mayor Andy.

Rangitīkei District Council acknowledges the vital and valuable contribution that skilled industry workers deliver to our communities. Council will continue to advocate at every level for the change needed to attract and retain these workers within the district.