McCain Factory Closure Halts Hawke’s Bay Vegetable Processing

McCain announced the closure of its frozen‑vegetable processing plant in Hastings, Hawke’s Bay, ending production that supported more than 100 local growers of peas, beans, corn and carrots. A coalition of growers and the mayors of Hastings and Central Hawke’s Bay sought to purchase the facility, contingent on the processing equipment remaining in place. McCain later told the group the equipment was no longer available, prompting the growers to withdraw their bid.

Local officials described the outcome as “disappointing” for workers, contractors and the regional economy, warning of broader repercussions for food security in a key New Zealand agricultural zone. The Green Party criticised the government’s slow response, with agriculture spokesperson Steve Abel saying, “The Government failed to act fast enough to keep this factory in local hands…”, and called for stronger intervention to protect strategic food‑processing assets.