The Resilience of Ruapehu: Struggles and Survival in New Zealand’s Heartland

For decades, New Zealand’s central Ruapehu region has been shaped by two significant forces—the majestic mountains and the thriving mills. Mount Ruapehu, known as the country’s largest active volcano, attracted both adventure-seekers and workers to its snowy slopes. Meanwhile, the local mills, notably those operated by the region’s primary employer, facilitated generations of job opportunities. However, the pull of these iconic pillars has weakened, bringing Ruapehu into the spotlight of a broader conversation about rural depopulation and economic sustainability across New Zealand.

The Decline of a Once-Thriving Community

The challenges facing Ruapehu escalated notably due to climate change, which disrupted snowfall patterns and shortened winter seasons, leading to layoffs in the winter sports sector. Moreover, the closure of the historic Chateau Tongariro hotel in 2023 added to the region’s woes, marking the end of an era for a landmark that had operated for nearly a century. As this beautiful yet earthquake-prone building now stands empty, the community faces an uncertain future.

The situation worsened dramatically in October 2024, when Winstone Pulp announced the closure of its two mills in Ohakune, after nearly half a century in operation. This decision, prompted by soaring energy costs, resulted in more than 230 job losses, sending ripples of despair through local businesses and their employees. Many of those affected lived in Ohakune, a small town with a population of about 1,360, as well as nearby Raetihi, which is home to around 1,140 residents.

“The closure was like a stab to the heart,” shared Janelle Finch, a local entrepreneur with a merino clothing company and a café. “So many friends had to leave town…it triggered a chain reaction,” she lamented.

Empty Streets and a Community in Transition

A visit to the region in late November revealed a stark reality: many shops stood vacant, and the streets of Ohakune were dotted with “for sale” signs. Unfortunately, Ruapehu is not alone in experiencing such economic hardship. Since 2023, numerous towns and rural areas have struggled with significant job losses due to various mill and factory closures, resulting in over 1,000 redundancies. Companies have attributed these closures to high energy costs, weakened demand, and rising operational expenses.

As families grapple for survival in an area they love, the exodus of citizens seeking better opportunities exacerbates the situation. Brenda Burnard, the manager of a childcare center in Raetihi, is among those affected. She plans to relocate to Foxton, two hours away, to join her husband, who lost his mill job and has found employment in a different region.

“Leaving after 25 years is bittersweet,” Burnard reflected. “We have a deep connection to this place. It’s hard to think about reaching the point of saying ‘this is the end’,” she added, drawing from her long-standing ties to the region.

Regional Shifts and Evolving Economies

Despite the challenges, some rural economies in New Zealand have begun to show signs of recovery, aided in part by immigration and the dairy industry’s growth. Yet, according to economist Shamubeel Eaqub, the long-term outlook remains grim for areas dependent on single industries that are susceptible to global shifts and climate changes. “When the main economic engine falters, it can devastate those communities,” he noted.

The closure of the mills symbolizes a deeper loss—a fracture in the community fabric and connections to place, as expressed by Helen Leahy, chief executive of the local Ngāti Rangi tribe trust. Nearly half of the local population identifies as Māori, and many Indigenous workers face heart-wrenching choices in light of these job losses. Leahy pointed out that as many as 10-15% of mill workers migrated to Australia after their employment ended.

In a bid to counteract these departures, the local iwi is focused on upskilling affected families, aligning with a long-term vision to foster community resilience. “We want to address the immediate needs, ensuring we don’t contribute to the youth exodus,” a tribal representative stated.

Hope Amidst Adversity

While recent statistics indicate that seven of New Zealand’s sixteen regions have seen more individuals leaving than arriving, the sense of hope remains for Ruapehu’s residents. Two children play in their backyard while Raewyn Sinclair juggles multiple jobs—screen printing logos for a community event while preparing a meal. Sinclair and her partner, Corey Brown, are determined to stay in the area despite the hardship after he lost a well-paying job at the mill.

“It’s hard work,” Sinclair admits. “We’re pushing ourselves to make ends meet.” However, she highlights the strength of community ties, stating, “We all look out for one another here. There’s potential for this place to thrive—we have so much spirit.”

Conclusion

As Ruapehu navigates its way through challenging times, the resilience and determination of its community shine through. With ongoing efforts to bolster local economies and retain their population, there’s hope that New Zealand’s heartland will overcome these hurdles and forge a brighter path ahead.