Aubrey Clark’s journey with Whakatāne Mill spans 50 years, a milestone that is rare to achieve in today’s workforce.

As he prepares for retirement, Mr Clark reflects on the path he has taken since starting at the mill as a 19-year-old.

“It is no small feat these days for an employee to complete 10, let alone 50 years of service in any business,” said Whakatane Mill human resources director Lynsey Standen.

“Aubrey’s commitment and loyalty to the mill have been unwavering, and his contributions are greatly appreciated.”

Mr Clark, who began his career at the mill on November 30, 1974, after working in banking, recalls his first shift: “I had my farewell do at the bank, went home for a sleep, and started at midnight,” he said.

His initial job in the pasting room involved stacking and packing, but it was the attractive pay that drew him to the mill.

“I worked on all three paper machines,” he said, and he mastered 37 different jobs in this role.

He also remembers working with an on-site weather station, providing daily reports for Whakatāne.

Mr Clark’s said among his claims to fame, was how as part of a committee he helped bring Boney M to Whakatāne for a fundraising concert for the EBOP Life Education Trust a couple of decades ago.

“Boney M did two shows in New Zealand, one was here, and the other one was in Auckland. We charged a gold coin donation. It was held at Rugby Park. I got to meet them all.”

Over the years, he has seen many changes at the mill, from a workforce of 861 people when he first started, to just over 220 today.

He recalls the days when logs arrived by train and the challenges that came with storing surplus paper along the railway line.

“After the third big fire caused by the sparks from the train, they thought they should move them.”

Mr Clark’s commitment extended beyond his work, as he served as a credit union trustee for five years and a union delegate for eight. He is also one of the few qualified health and safety representatives at the mill.

Ms Standen said Mr Clark had been a dedicated health and safety representative.

“And he is always willing to help by coming in on his days off to cover when shifts are running short. “

He has seen many changes in leadership and ownership. “There have been 20 general managers while I’ve been here,” he said. He has also witnessed the mill pass through the hands of various owners, including Graeme Hart, and American, Swedish, and the Irish consortiums.

Now at 69, he is looking forward to his retirement, which will coincide with the first anniversary of his wife’s passing, on December 12, and he is planning a family holiday to Canada with his children and grandchildren in 2025.

He has thoroughly enjoyed his time at the mill, made good friends over the years, and his job has enabled him to provide comfortably for his family.

“Service such as Aubrey’s is somewhat inspirational and serves to the newer and, dare I say it, younger employees coming into the mill that a lifetime spent in a community and business is a life well spent and something to aspire to,” said Ms Standen.

Mr Clark has received a long-service award, and plans are under way for a retirement celebration to celebrate his remarkable contribution to the mill.