The rural towns fighting for survival as New Zealand grapples with a growing exodus
The Guardian••world
Key Points:
- The Ruapehu region in New Zealand has faced significant economic decline following the closure of key local industries, including the Winstone Pulp mills and the Chateau Tongariro hotel, leading to widespread job losses and population decline.
- The mill closures in October 2024 resulted in over 230 layoffs, deeply impacting small towns like Ohakune and Raetihi, with many residents forced to move away in search of work, contributing to a broader rural exodus.
- Indigenous communities, particularly the local Ngāti Rangi tribe, have been actively responding by up-skilling and job-training affected families to preserve their connection to the region and combat youth migration.
- New Zealand is experiencing a demographic shift with population growth concentrated in
