News publisher Stuff Group has announced the closure of its Petone printing press and the loss of 30 jobs at the site.
Owner and publisher Sinead Boucher told staff earlier today that the plant would shut down in 2027, with print operations relocating to Christchurch.
“We had considered various options over that period; however, the Christchurch consolidation clearly stood out as best for the business, as it significantly reduces ongoing costs as well as improving operational efficiencies,” she said.
Boucher said the Petone site was bought from Australia’s Nine Media by new owners in November.
“This did not factor into the future of the plant for Stuff, as the Christchurch option was already well advanced.”
She noted that the lease at the Petone site still had a year to run, and consultations with its 30 employees would occur over the coming weeks and months.
“We will be looking for opportunities for redeployment within the business, including at our Christchurch site, where we will be adding jobs to accommodate the additional work.”
Boucher said there was a plan underway to decommission the plant.