MP Brendan Horan is calling for Government action to help 110 people in the Bay of Plenty to transition into new jobs.

Norske Skog in Kawerau closed its Paper Machine Number 2 this week, halving the mill's annual production of newsprint by 150,000 tonnes.

Brendan Horan is calling for help for the 110 people who lost their jobs this week.

The closure also means the 110 people who worked at the mill, lose their jobs.

Brendan, who lives in the Eastern Bay of Plenty, says each of these people have family behind them.

'These are great workers with terrific skills, but some skills are specific to their job at the mill.

'Right now they need support in gaining new skills and competencies to be able to move into a new job and continue being a productive part of the New Zealand economy.”

Brendan says the role Government must deliver on is to provide the pathway.

On Friday afternoon, Brendan met with some of the affected families.

'It is not good enough to hide behind a hands-off approach and for Government to leave towns to suffer as has happened in Wairoa with the freezing works and in Manaia with the bakery and in many other towns across our country.”

He believes a starting point for local government could be for Mayors Malcolm Campbell (from Kawerau) and Tony Bonne (Mayor of Whakatane) to bring together in one place people with ideas for new opportunities, innovation and job creation in the Eastern Bay of Plenty.

'That would create a way for ideas to be turned into action.

'But central Government's role in creating upward mobility and pathways is critical.”