Stuff Group is consolidating its printing operations in 2027, exiting its Petone print plant and bringing its print operations into its Christchurch site.
Stuff owner and publisher Sinead Boucher says they are annoucing the decision with a year still left on the lease to give printers and staff as much lead time as possible.
The Petone site was bought from Australia’s Nine Media by new owners in November.
Boucher says the 30 staff in Petone would be consulted over the coming weeks as to the individual impact on their roles.
She adds they will also look for opportunities for redeployment within the business, including at the Christchurch print site, which will be adding jobs to accommodate the additional work.
Under one roof
Boucher says the decision to move everything under one roof has been part of Stuff’s strategic plan since the management buyout in 2020.
“We had considered various options over that period, however the Christchurch consolidation clearly stood out as best for the business. It significantly reduces ongoing costs as well as improving operational efficiencies.
“Over this time we have also had hugely successful launches of thepost.co.nz; thepress.co.nz and the waikatotimes.co.nz while continuing to focus on their premium print editions. Our audiences for these brands in print and digital have grown 8% in the past year alone, and they are highly valued by our subscribers and advertisers alike.”
Prepared for what’s next
“I want to personally thank all the incredible staffat Petone for the terrific job they have done over the years. This includes working through earthquakes, Covid lockdowns, roof leaks and tsunami threats to keep that operation running as smoothly as possible,” says Boucher.
“They are some of the most innovative and hardworking people in our business. I hope today’s announcement provides them with certainty for planning for the change.”
She adds there is a clear plan underway with what needs to be done over the next period of decommissioning the Petone plant.
“We are well prepared for what needs to happen at the site and have no issues with next steps. This is a move that makes sound financial and operational sense for our business and for our customers.”
