Celebrating 70 years of the Kawerau Mill
From humble beginnings, to employing over 200 locals today, we’re proud to celebrate our connection to the community and the geothermal story.
Supporting the local community since 1955
For over 70 years, the Kawerau site has supported the local economy. Today, we employ more than 200 workers and engage on the support of other businesses and contractors in the region.
The evolving Mill and its rejuvenated surroundings demonstrate our commitment to the local community through investments in production capabilities and the renewal of the local Tarawera river land.
In 2010 Essity decommissioned natural gas steam boilers and began using geothermal steam through a partnership with local Iwi and Ngāti Tūwharetoa Geothermal Assets.
Geothermal Steam Powered Production
The Kawerau Mill has been utilising geothermal energy since 2010, reflecting our strategic commitment to sustainability.
This commitment is further exemplified by the 2024 rebuilding of one of the Kawerau paper machines, which became the world's first tissue machine with full geothermal steam drying. This innovation reduced site carbon emissions by 25%*, supporting Essity's vision of net-zero emissions by 2050.
By 2025, Kawerau emissions will be 66% lower than in 2009, marking a significant step toward environmental sustainability.**
Honouring our heritage
To celebrate 70 years of the Kawerau Mill, local Indigenous artist Sarah Hudson was commissioned to bring to life the area's rich heritage and connection to the land.
Sarah is a renowned Indigenous artist, researcher, and mother. Her bold and vibrant designs incorporate Indigenous iconography.
These designs are featured on the Tork T4 conventional Toilet Paper and Tork H2 Xpress Multifold hand towel.
The Whakatupu leaf design symbolises growth, the flourishing of life and the connection to the natural world.
The Korohū Mutunga Kore design adapts the Takarangi spiral form. It represents the seen and unseen during the transformation of geothermal energy into power.
About Sarah Hudson
Sarah Hudson is an artist and researcher of Ngāti Awa, Ngāi Tūhoe, and Ngāti Pūkeko descent. Her artistic practice is deeply connected to her ancestral lands and is conceptually grounded in her relationships with people and place.
Based in Whakatāne, Sarah is a member of the highly acclaimed Mataaho Collective. She has widely exhibited her work through her solo practice, which explores themes of tino rangatiratanga (sovereignty), play, whenua (land), reciprocity, and relationships across various mediums, including painting, performance, video, and sculpture.
Sarah completed her Master's in Fine Arts with distinction from Massey University in Wellington in 2010. Additionally, she is a founding member of the Kauae Raro Research Collective, an organization dedicated to promoting and preserving Māori paint-making technologies. Recently, Sarah was announced as a selected artist for the Naoshima Artist in Residence program and the Setouchi Triennale 2025.
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References
*Projected 25% emissions reduction as a result of switching to geothermal steam from natural gas for Kawerau Paper Machine 3 based on 2025 planned production data and NZ
**Tork Kawerau scope 1 & 2 emissions reduction between 2009 actual and 2025 projected emissions data