???1;Northland is set to suffer a potentially devastating economic blow

Refining New Zealand shareholders have voted to switch the Marsden Point oil refinery into an import-only fuel terminal from mid next year.

It's expected to cost about 240 of the company's 300 jobs.

E tu Union Northland Organiser Annie Tothill says it'll have a big impact on the community.

She says the shrinking down of the workforce leaves a big gap in Northland.

A final decision about the closure will be made by the board in September.