The Pulp Paper Workers Union says Norske Skog has brought forward plans to close part of the Kawerau pulp and paper mill plant, citing poor market conditions in Asia.
The company told its 290 employees last month that it planned to shut one of its newsprint machines in March. It has now brought that date forward to January.
The union has about 170 members at the mill and was told on Tuesday.
Senior delegate Tane Phillips said he feared the redundancy process would be rushed. He said 120 jobs were cut the last time a machine was shut in 2006.
