Nelson Mail's printing press has closed after more than 151 years of printing in Nelson. The paper will now be printed in Christchurch.

At about midday on Saturday the final afternoon edition of the Nelson Mail rolled off the presses.

From Monday, the Mail becomes a morning newspaper printed at Fairfax Media's state-of-the-art Christchurch plant and begins a new four-day-a-week publishing model.

It's another milestone in the 151-year history of the paper and reflects the challenges facing the newspaper industry across the world.

MARION VAN DIJK The Nelson Mail printing and publishing staff with the press that closes today. From left, Shane Trainor, Scott Watson, Kevin Sinclair, Toni Erskine, Trey Kotua, Nigel Smith, Jamie Auld, Murray Dick, Jill Connor, Nigel Schroder (behind), Dennis Fry, Jan Gibbons, Scott Holyoake and Dave McCabe.

The change to computers, a new building and dropping the Evening from the name all on the same day in 1995 was signalled as one of the biggest the newspaper had gone through. Back then it was felt any future changes would be "evolutionary rather than revolutionary."

However, with the advent of the internet, and more latterly smartphones, that prediction has been turned on its head.

What hasn't changed is the public's desire for factual, accurate news. The Nelson newsroom, staffed with journalists, photographers, front counter and sales staff, continues to serve the Nelson region.

BRADEN FASTIER Dennis Fry worked on the Nelson Mail printing press for 24 years. After more than 151 years of printing in Nelson, the Mail is set to be printed from Christchurch from Sunday.

We will continue to produce strong and informative public interest journalism, continuing to cover council and hold authorities to account, often being the only media organisation in the region to do so.

The closure of the Nelson press was signalled to staff 18 months ago and many of the 14 affected staff have already been re-employed elsewhere. Between them they have an impressive 262 years of service and maintained one of the best continuity records in the print game.

We acknowledge the incredible contribution they have made to the Nelson Mail.

BRADEN FASTIER Nigel Smith worked on the Nelson Mail printing press for more than 37 years.

– Victoria Guild, Nelson region editor