Gisborne's mayor has called a public meeting aimed at providing support and advice for about 200 people who've suddenly lost their jobs.
Within weeks of two major wine companies terminating contracts with local grape growers, the region has been hit by Winstone Pulp International's closure of its Gisborne sawmill - putting 65 people out of work - and Cedenco Foods' decision not to reopen a corn- products factory.
Because of what Cedenco says is a drop in international demand for corn-cobs and kernels, 125 seasonal workers have lost their jobs.
Mayor Meng Foon says he invited a number of government agencies to the Friday night meeting, because the workers may not know what to do next.
"Most people have probably worked most of their lives in these places," he says, "and suddenly a bombshell like this hits them and they're left wondering what's out there in terms of government services."
