Sealord’s proposal to close their coated fish factory, possibly ending 79 jobs, is distressing news for the workers, their families and the local community.

“I’m thinking of the affected workers and acknowledge the great pressure and stress this has caused them and their families,” Local Nelson MP Rachel Boyack said.

“I’ve met with Sealord to understand their challenges and remain worried about the major blow to Nelson’s local economy should they proceed with closure.

“Our community works incredibly hard and the last thing I want to see is more people struggling to keep up with rising food and housing costs.

“This comes just a day after 142 jobs were lost at the confirmed closure of Eves Valley Sawmill in Tasman.

“Under Christopher Luxon, there are 36,000 fewer people in work. In the last year alone 125,000 New Zealanders left, and 2,700 businesses shut down – the highest in a decade.

“Christopher Luxon promised to make life better for New Zealanders, instead he is making it harder to get a job and support your family,” Rachel Boyack said.