Rio Tinto needs to decide future of smelter: Woods

• Published date: 25 May 2023
• Publication title: Southland Express

Dr Woods was in Invercargill to announce a further $8 million fund to diversify the Southland economy and support new industry in the region

‘‘It’s about making sure that this isn’t a region that is beholden to one company or one employer and that there is opportunities for growth and [for] Southland to excel.’’

She has asked Rio Tinto, the majority owner of New Zealand’s Aluminium Smelter (NZAS), to make the decision as soon as possible.

‘‘The people of Southland need certainty. They need to know whether those jobs were staying in the region and we are asking them to make that decision as quickly as they can and give as much certainty.

‘‘And if they do decide to stay ... we are interested to know what their plans are around decarbonisation and for putting that stake in the ground that shows a...