Growing concerns over looming loo paper shortage as Aotearoa's only manufacturing plant faces industrial action

"No toilet paper has been made." Credits: Video - Newshub ; Image - Newshub

The concern is mounting over a looming loo paper shortage as industrial action continues at Aotearoa's only manufacturing plant.

One-hundred-and-forty-five production staff have been locked out of Essity Mill in Kawerau, which supplies brands such as Purex and Sorbent.

Workers have been pushing for an inflation adjustment in their collective agreement for almost a month now, but so far negotiations have failed.

"There's no production at the factory since at least the 9th of the month, so no toilet paper has been made," said Kawerau Pulp and Paper Union Secretary Tane Phillips.

"We're not sure how much is in warehouses around the country, but there isn't that much here."

Phillips told Newshub they are open to bargaining when they enter further negotiations over the coming days.

Also on the topic of toilet paper, that essential household item has had the once-over from Consumer NZ.

They tested it for the everyday concerns we all have and one toilet paper has emerged to rule them all.

Consumer asked people what they looked for and the answers were simple. The first and most important thing they looked for was softness, followed by puncture resistance, perforation and disintegration time.

So how did the different brands stack up?

The results show the best performing toilet paper was EarthSmart 100% Recycled Toilet Paper, followed closely by Soft Touch Ultra Soft Toilet Tissue.

As for those giving you a bum deal, Value Strong & Soft Toilet Tissue and Pams 3 Ply Toilet Tissue Long Roll were the lowest-scoring papers.

"The overall finding was you don't have to pay a lot of money to get good toilet paper. Some of the best we found were not the most expensive," said Consumer product test manager Paul Smith.

But overall Consumer NZ was pleased with the quality on the shelves.

"You spend hundreds and hundreds of dollars on this each year so it's good to know you can basically choose the cheapest and you're not doing yourself a disservice," said Smith.

But what do Kiwis consider when buying toilet paper?

"Texture and comfort and that sort of thing, value for money," one said.

"The one with the rolly dog, I don't actually look for anything in particular."