The Engineering, Infrastructure, and Extractives (EIE) industry group covers a huge and diverse range of workers across heavy engineering, infrastructure services, steel and aluminium smelting, timber milling, wood and fibre packaging, mining, oil and gas, and much more. These industries form the backbone of many rural communities, and the workers are the skilled hands keeping them running.
Mark Anderson, the EIE Industry Council Convenor, knows just how much these industries mean to New Zealand. Based in Waihi and working at OceaniaGold, Mark sees the direct impact these jobs have. “We’ve got so many workers in EIE, and they’re not just keeping industries running, they’re keeping communities alive,” he says.
Protecting local industries
A big focus for the EIE group is the fight to keep local manufacturing and processing alive. The closure of places like Kinleith Mill and Winstone’s pulp and sawmills shows how devastating it can be when these industries shut down. Mark is clear about the ripple effects: “When jobs go in a small town, it’s not just the workers who feel it. It’s the local businesses, the schools, the sports teams. Communities rely on these industries, and without them, everything starts to unravel.”
For many workers, these industries aren’t just jobs; they’re part of the community’s identity. That’s why E tū is pushing to keep these industries open and ensure policies protect local jobs instead of letting them disappear. “When a plant closes, where are those workers supposed to go? It’s a tough reality,” Mark says.
This is also a core driver of the E tū campaign for a Just Transition. A Just Transition ensures that as industries evolve or shut down, whether due to economic shifts, technological developments, or the move to cleaner energy, workers and their communities are supported. It’s about retraining, creating new job opportunities, and keeping people and towns afloat during big changes. It’s a way to protect livelihoods and give workers a voice in shaping a fairer, more sustainable future.
Some of the EIE Industry Council members at the Just Transition Forum at Parliament in August
Health and safety: A core focus
Another key priority for the EIE group is health and safety. The Health and Safety at Work Act 2015, born from the lessons of Pike River, set a standard to protect workers. But recent Government discussions about revising the legislation have sparked concerns.
Mark is passionate about this issue. “A lot of our health and safety rules were written in blood. They came in because someone got hurt or killed. We can’t let that happen again,” he says. Mark believes it’s about building a culture where workers feel supported in speaking up if something’s unsafe. “It’s not just about rules, it’s about culture. You need your coworkers backing you when you say, ‘I’m not doing this, it’s not safe.’ That’s how we protect each other.”
Supporting the next generation
Looking ahead, the EIE Industry Council is also focusing on industry training and preparing young workers for the future. With big changes to vocational training on the horizon, ensuring the next generation is skilled and ready is more important than ever. Mark says the Industry Council is committed to working with all stakeholders to figure out the best way forward. “We’ve got to make sure our young workers are set up for success and want to stay here, working in these industries.”
Standing strong
The EIE group is tackling big challenges, from keeping local industries alive to fighting for stronger health and safety protections and preparing for the future of training. Mark says the diversity within the group is its strength, and with a new Industry Council in place, there’s a renewed energy to connect with members and make their voices heard. “It’s about all of us working together,” Mark says. “The more people get involved, the stronger we’ll be. That’s how we’ll stand up for workers and keep these communities going.”
A snapshot of the work our members do:
• Heavy engineering
• Infrastructure services
• Steel and aluminium smelting
• Timber milling and processing
• Wood and fibre packaging
• Mining
• Oil and gas exploration
• Construction manufacturing
• Construction projects
• Boat building
• Fire and security systems and services
• Air conditioning, heating, and refrigeration
• Concrete, ceramic, and plaster manufacturing
• And much more!