Hastings and Central Hawke’s Bay mayors are calling on the Government to provide greater support for New Zealand’s food production sector, warning the country risks losing critical processing capacity that underpins both regional economies and national food security.
The push comes amid growing concern over the planned closure of McCain Foods’ vegetable processing plant in Hastings, a facility regarded as a cornerstone of Hawke’s Bay’s horticultural industry. The closure has sparked fears about the long-term future of vegetable growing, food processing and regional employment in one of the country’s most productive food-producing regions.
Hastings Mayor Wendy Schollum and Central Hawke’s Bay Mayor Will Foley have been leading efforts to explore options for retaining large-scale vegetable processing capability in the region, including the possibility of a grower-led ownership model.
The mayors have taken their concerns directly to Wellington, meeting with Ministers, MPs and industry representatives to argue that food production and processing should be viewed as a matter of national importance rather than a purely regional issue.
They are seeking Government support for an independent feasibility study that would assess whether a sustainable long-term future exists for vegetable processing in Hawke’s Bay. The proposed study would examine infrastructure requirements, workforce needs, market opportunities, logistics, energy and water requirements, and overall commercial viability.
Industry leaders have warned that losing processing facilities could force growers to transport produce greater distances, increasing costs and reducing competitiveness while creating uncertainty for future crop production.
The concerns extend beyond Hawke’s Bay. Advocates argue the issue highlights broader questions about New Zealand’s ability to maintain domestic food production, food resilience and regional manufacturing capacity in an increasingly volatile global environment.
The closure announcement follows a difficult period for Hawke’s Bay, which continues to recover from Cyclone Gabrielle while also dealing with economic pressures facing the agricultural and horticultural sectors. The region remains one of New Zealand’s most important producers of vegetables, fruit and export crops.
The mayors say the debate is not simply about saving one factory but about protecting the infrastructure needed to support New Zealand-grown food and maintain confidence among growers and food producers.
Government ministers have acknowledged the strategic importance of the sector and have begun engaging with growers, local leaders and industry stakeholders to explore possible solutions. Officials from the Ministry for Primary Industries have also met directly with affected growers to assess options moving forward.
As discussions continue, growers and local leaders are hoping a pathway can be found that protects jobs, strengthens food security and preserves Hawke’s Bay’s status as one of New Zealand’s premier food-producing regions.
