Election 2026: Small town struggles – Raetihi battles Winstone mill closures aftermath

Mike ScottSenior Journalist·NZ Herald·16 Oct, 2026 08:00 PM14 mins to read‌Raetihi has suffered some tough times between elections with mill closures and a cost of living crisis. Photo / Mike ScottRaetihi has suffered some tough times between elections with mill closures and a cost of living crisis. Photo / Mike ScottTwo years on from the mill closures, Raetihi is holding on but jobs in the small central North Island town are scarce, rents are high and shops are empty. With an election looming, locals tell Mike Scott they don’t expect miracles – they just want the basics to work again.