A group of former Whakatane Board Mill workers believes the Ministry of Health is about to recognise their claims they were poisoned.
Spokesperson Joe Harawira says the 200 workers were exposed to the toxins used to treat timber at the mill, leaving many unable to work.
He told Waatea News it has taken the 20 years since the mill closed to convince the former, predominantly Maori workers, the chronic illnesses they were suffering were caused by their mahi, or work.
Mr Harawira says the workers are hoping for a compensation package that includes continuing health care not only for themselves but for their children and families.
