About us
More than supplying a product, we believe the best outcomes come from understanding the challenge first
Southern Cross Papers is a 100% New Zealand owned specialist paper and packaging business with an international reach.
Our customers span New Zealand, Australia, the Pacific Islands, the Americas, Europe, and Asia, and we source materials tailored to the specific requirements of each market.
Established in 2011, we’ve built our reputation on product knowledge, trusted relationships and a commitment to delivering solutions that work.
Our approach is simple:
We don’t start with a product.
We start by understanding what you’re trying to achieve.
Our story
Since 2011, Southern Cross Papers has grown from a specialist supplier into an internationally connected sourcing business, working with customers across a diverse range of markets and paper and packaging applications.
We work closely with customers to understand their requirements, then draw on our technical knowledge and international supplier relationships to identify the right materials and supply solutions.
Our network spans Europe, Asia, North and South America and Australia, giving us access to quality products and innovative solutions from around the world. These relationships support our customers across international markets, while our New Zealand roots continue to shape the way we work — with a focus on personal relationships, practical advice and long-term partnerships. Combined with our local knowledge and end-to-end supply capability, we make international sourcing reliable, efficient and commercially practical.
What makes us different?
Specialist knowledge
Paper and packaging decisions can be complex. We bring technical and industry knowledge to help customers understand their options and identify solutions suited to their specific requirements.
Global connections
Long-standing relationships with manufacturers and suppliers across Europe, Asia, North and South America and Australia give us access to a broad range of quality materials and specialist capabilities.
Market understanding
Every market has its own requirements. Our experience across international markets, combined with our New Zealand roots, gives us the perspective to understand different customer needs and navigate the practical realities of global supply.
Good solutions start with good conversations.
Meet our team
Our team brings experience across paper, packaging, sourcing and supply, with a shared focus on understanding our customers and finding practical solutions.
We build relationships based on trust, responsiveness and the expertise to help customers make better material decisions.
Managing Director
+64 21 994 560
karl@scpapers.co.nz
Karl Hedgman is the founder and Managing Director of Southern Cross Papers, established in 2011. He has grown the business into a trusted supplier of paper and packaging solutions across Australia, New Zealand and global markets. With decades of industry experience, Karl has held senior leadership roles with PaperlinX, Price & Pierce, and Gould Paper in New Zealand, delivering strong commercial results in competitive environments. He leads a highly regarded team known for its expertise and customer focus and continues to drive the business with a clear emphasis on quality, service, and long-term partnerships.
Global Sales Director
+64 27 501 0337
brett@scpapers.co.nz
Brett Keen is a seasoned professional with over 20 years of global experience in the paper and packaging industry. Throughout his career, he has built a strong reputation for challenging conventional thinking and driving innovative approaches across the sector. Brett brings a deep understanding of sustainability and the evolving role it plays in packaging, helping organizations navigate the balance between performance, environmental responsibility, and commercial success.
Export Director
+64 21985593
mark@scpapers.co.nz
Mark Watson has been involved in the Paper and Printing business for over 30 years with broad experience in all types of Paper Merchanting grades holding Senior Management positions in several Paper Merchant companies as well as a HSWO printing company. Mark specialises in export distribution to the Pacific Islands as well as business in New Zealand in a range of markets and products.
Sales Director
+64 21 422 039
darron@scpapers.co.nz
Darron White is an accomplished executive with over 30 years’ experience in the paper and packaging industry. He has held senior leadership roles including Group General Manager of a trading enterprise focused on Southeast Asian markets supplying into Oceania. As Sales Director at Southern Cross Papers, Darron provides strategic leadership across sales and supply chain functions. He is widely respected for his expertise in ESG frameworks and his ability to align commercial performance with customer-centric outcomes and sustainable practices.
