Pellet Factory and Data Centre Proposed for Winstone Site

A pellet factory and data centre have been proposed for the now-closed Winstone Pulp site in the central North Island. The site has been inactive since the company shut down its mills in 2024 due to rising electricity costs.

Winstone Pulp International closed its two mills at Karioi and Tangiwai after 45 years of operation. The closure was attributed to soaring wholesale electricity prices that made operations unsustainable.

The proposed developments aim to repurpose the site and could bring new economic opportunities for the area. The initiatives reflect a growing trend in utilising former industrial sites for modern technological and manufacturing purposes.

Local stakeholders are expected to discuss the proposals in upcoming meetings, with hopes of revitalising the area. If approved, the projects could contribute to the region's economic recovery and job creation.

Originally reported by RNZ New Zealand Headlines.