The Whakatāne Mill has a long, proud history
Operating with integrity since 1939
Whakatāne Mill Limited operates New Zealand’s only folding boxboard mill, located on the North Island in the Bay of Plenty region.
We are extremely proud of our past, having been part of the Bay of Plenty community since 1939. Our early years began with the production of primarily domestic paperboard from nearby Central North Island Pine forests. In the decades that followed, our mill has grown and developed its capabilities, and today, it produces high-quality folding boxboard that is supplied all over the world.
We directly employ nearly 190 personnel, the vast majority of whom come from the Whakatāne area. With international backing, we will continue to be an integral part of the local community, and New Zealand’s economy, for many years to come.
200,000 tonnes
produced annually
83 years of manufacturing
9 grades of folding boxboard produced
186 core personnel
on site
The operational history of the Whakatāne Mill
Paper-making operations started in 1939, leveraging New Zealand's Central North Island forests and close proximity to major ports.
The current paper machine started operation in 1976.
Various owners until bought by International Paper in 1995 as part of Carter Holt Harvey.
Major rebuild of Wet End section by International Paper in 2004.
Sold to Rank Group in 2005 as part of Carter Holt Harvey.
Acquired by SIG in 2010 and then converted to supply LPB (liquid packaging board) as well as FBB (folding boxboard).
Acquired by the Smurfit Consortium in June 2021. LPB production ends. Mill operations focused on FBB and carrier board.