The strong New Zealand dollar is being blamed for the latest round of job cuts at a north Otago textile plant.

Summit Wool Spinners has axed 50 jobs at its Oamaru base.

That will affect many families in the town.

It's a big hit from one of Oamaru's biggest employers. Summit Wool Spinners is cutting a fifth of its staff.

That's 50 jobs gone – some voluntary, others forced out.

Union representative Sharon Solomon has worked there for 15 years, and says the redundancies hit close to home for many families in a town of just 13,000 people.

“I have a sister who has unfortunately had to take redundancy, and a brother who has had a position changed,” says Ms Solomon.

Read more and see 3 News' video including FIRST Union delegate Sharon Solomon here.