Fishing company Sanford has confirmed 66 staff will lose their jobs when its processing plant in Tauranga closes.
The company confirmed the plant was no longer viable due to lower processing volumes and also because the plant does not meet seismic strength requirements.
Chief operating officer Clement Chia said even if processing volumes lifted, the costs associated with strengthening the building would not make the business worthwhile.
"We are very sorry to impact our staff and their families at such a difficult time, particularly when we have seen the re-emergence of community transmission of Covid-19 in New Zealand with all the uncertainty this brings.
"This has been a very difficult decision for us to make, but one we feel is best to secure our future operations in the North Island."
He said Sanford would work to help affected staff find employment elsewhere in the business or with other local businesses.
Some landing and unloading operations would continue at the Tauranga site.
Sanford said it had no intention of closing any of its other processing bases.
RNZ
