On the 9th Sept 2020, the Hon, Jacinda Ardern, Prime Minister of New Zealand visited Whakatāne Mill along with parliamentary colleagues, Kiri Allen (Labour Candidate, now MP for East Coast) and Tamati Coffey (MP for Waiariki).
They were shown around the Mill by Head of Continuous Improvement, Peter McLaverty.
Prime Minister Ardern commented that she was very impressed with the mill, its people and its connection to the Eastern Bay of Plenty economy.