Taiwai Point appears booked for a blockbuster year - and many in Southland are hoping that means life for the smelter will continue well past 2024, when its cut-rate power contract expires.
The owner, Rio Tinto, has given a strong indication that it sees a longer term future for the plant, as aluminium prices hit historical highs.
That's thanks to China scaling back on its coal-powered plants and high electricity prices climbing in Europe.
E tū Union negotiator Joe Gallagher says the smelter ought to seize the moment, along with the government, to help create a long-term viable plan for workers, whose economic fortunes have much bearing on the wider community in Southland.
He spoke to Corin Dann.
