The rural towns fighting for survival as New Zealand grapples with a growing exodus
Ruapehu is emblematic of question facing New Zealand: how to prevent rural regions – and the country at large - from hollowing out
TL;DR
- The Ruapehu region, once sustained by mountains and mills, is experiencing a significant population decline following mill closures and disruptions to tourism.
- Winstone Pulp International closed its two mills in Ohakune in October 2024, laying off over 230 workers and impacting other local businesses.
- Factors contributing to industry closures include high energy prices, weaker demand, and rising costs, leading to over 1,000 redundancies across multiple New Zealand towns.
- Many New Zealanders are leaving the country in record numbers, with a net migration loss of 45,100 citizens in the year to October, many moving to Australia for better job prospects and higher incomes.
- Experts warn of a "hollowing out" of the workforce and an increasing imbalance between major metropolitan centers and struggling rural regions.
- Local iwi are implementing training programs to help affected families and pursue a "1000-year vision" for regional prosperity.
- Residents express feelings of neglect from the government, while also highlighting the strong sense of community and pride that keeps some families fighting to stay.
- The government's proposed economic strategy includes cutting new spending to reduce borrowing and debt, with the belief that economic growth will address the issue of emigration.