March 31, 2026

#economy: Greens Call for Urgent Inquiry Into Food Factory Closures

Matthew Tukaki Posted On March 31, 2026

The Green Party is calling for an urgent parliamentary inquiry into the wave of food factory closures across Aotearoa, warning of growing risks to jobs, regional communities and the country’s long-term food security.

The call follows a series of major announcements, including the proposed closure of Heinz Wattie’s manufacturing sites in Auckland, Christchurch and Dunedin, along with the shutdown of processing operations in Hastings. The changes are expected to impact hundreds of workers and ripple across supply chains involving growers, contractors and regional businesses.

The Greens say the closures are not isolated events but part of a broader trend of declining local food production, raising concerns about New Zealand’s ability to maintain a resilient and self-sufficient food system.

They are seeking a full investigation into the underlying causes, including the role of rising production costs, global market pressures, and Government policy settings that may be contributing to the loss of domestic manufacturing capacity.

Recent industry developments have intensified those concerns, with the closure of processing plants leaving growers without secure markets for their crops and thousands of hectares of land in limbo.

The party is also highlighting the wider economic and social impacts, particularly in regional communities where food processing plants often serve as major employers. The loss of these facilities is expected to affect not only factory workers but also farmers, transport operators and local businesses connected to the sector.

At the same time, questions are being raised about food security, with industry leaders warning that reduced domestic processing capacity could increase reliance on imported food products and expose the country to global supply disruptions.

The Greens are pushing for a coordinated national response, including stronger support for local manufacturing, clearer strategies to retain processing capability, and policies that prioritise food sovereignty.

They say an inquiry would provide transparency around decision-making and help identify solutions to prevent further closures, protect jobs, and ensure New Zealand retains the ability to produce and process its own food.

The issue is expected to remain in focus as pressure mounts on the Government to respond to what is being described as a growing crisis in the country’s food production sector.