Kawerau - Tasman Pulp and Paper Mill

The town is dependent on the Tasman Pulp and Paper Mill, which produces mainly newsprint and cellulose for export. Substantial quantities of sawn timber are also produced and sold mainly to Australia. A decisive factor in siting the mill here was the existence nearby of a geothermal field, and natural hot steam is used to produce power. The mill processes an annual 2 million cu.m of timber from the huge pine forests in the surrounding area.