MAYORAL MEDIA RELEASE
14 February 2013
Closure of Datamail plant in Petone a “significant loss”
Lower Hutt Mayor Ray Wallace says the decision by NZ Post to close its Datamail printing plant in Petone putting 100
staff out of work is a significant loss.
“This is a major blow to the Petone community and to our city.
“We have worked hard to encourage business development within Lower Hutt.
“It was disappointing that NZ Post did not discuss their review of operations with us prior to finalising locations in
Christchurch and Auckland for their revamped printing plants.
“We understand the impact of technology with automated colour machines that are less labour intensive to operate, but it
would have seemed sensible to retain the Petone plant, at least in part, to service the government sector clients which
make up a big part of their business.
“NZ Post says there are 30 new jobs being created in Christchurch and they would be open to staff at the Petone plant.
“The loss of jobs and the potential departure of whole families because of one decision is hard to take.
“Our thoughts are with the families affected by this decision,” says Mayor Ray Wallace.
ENDS