Northland locals are feeling the heat as oil refining stops in the region

Marsden Point oil refinery is set to be converted to a terminal that only handles imported processed fuels.

It ends six decades of the country having its own ability to make petrol and diesel from crude -- and it will cost about 240 of the company's 300 jobs.

Whangarei Mayor Sheryl Mai says it's a significant blow to the community -- particularly for those are directly impacted.

But, she says there are also contractors and maintenance workers who will lose out from this decision.