New Zealand's loss could be Australia's gain, as it eyes Timaru's now job-less meat works staff

Alliance Group's confirmed the Smithfield plant will close by year's end.

Staff will be offered re-deployment at its other processing plants, where possible -- when the site closes.

The Herald's Ben Tomsett says Australian abattoir representatives have also told workers they have capacity to hire all those impacted.

He says recruiters from throughout New Zealand were also speaking with staff, and handing out pamphlets.