5 Feb 2014

Mill jobs at risk

10:22 pm on 5 February 2014

The Timber Industry Federation is warning saw-milling jobs are at risk, and working weeks may be shortened, as sawmills struggle to source logs.

The federation says twice the number of logs are being exported for processing than are being sent to New Zealand sawmills.

Deputy director Kevin Hing says he wants a greater commitment from log suppliers to sell to domestic sawmills.

Labour's forestry spokesperson Shane Jones says the Government should intervene.

He says it is neglecting the industry, which has lost more than 3000 wood-processing workers since 2008.

Mr Jones says the Government should send a clear message to forestry companies that they should support New Zealand industries.