A shortage of newsprint supply has impacted several local print companies.
Since Norske Skog closed the Kawerau Mill at the end of June last year, newsprint is now imported. The company still has its Tasmanian mill operating and local newspaper printers have contracts enabling a steady supply.
Overseas, a range of factors have contributed to a global shortage. The Russian invasion of Ukraine has led to a ban on Russian paper and suppliers, which means at least a 20 per cent drop in European paper supplies. Supply chains are already affected because of Covid-19 and prices will continue to rise.
Mike Horler, general manager at Horton Media, says, “This is something we had talked about for some time, so we locked in our supply a while back.”
Similarly, Stuff and NZME have contracts for supply. Russell Wieck, operations manager at NZME, says “We appreciate that it has been difficult to get paper for some time now, so we are pleased to have an ongoing contract for supply.”
Ricky Baker, operations manager at Stuff, says, “Ensuring supply is essential for us. No one can predict the future but we need newsprint so that we can continue to provide all of our services.”
Sourcing newsprint from elsewhere
However, commercial printers are having to look further afield for newsprint. Bernie Roberts, chief executive officer Webstar New Zealand, says, “The expectation when Norske Skog closed its New Zealand operation was that their Australian operation would have sufficient capacity for everyone’s ongoing needs. For a range of reasons that hasn’t ended up being the case and commercial printers like us have had to source newsprint from elsewhere.
“This is an important issue for us right now and over time these supply problems and the associated price increases that we (web printers) are currently facing will eventually impact other sectors of the industry.
“Webstar is a resourceful company, full of talented people and we’re committed to working our way through this current situation with the best possible outcome for our customers.”
Ovato has been approached for comment.
