Central Hawke’s Bay and Hastings Mayors’ have welcomed today’s decision by the Primary Production Select Committee to open a briefing into recent announcements by McCain Foods and Heinz Wattie's to close processing plants, including in Hawke’s Bay.

The mayors say the decision provides an important opportunity to better understand the implications of the closures, which are already causing uncertainty across the region.

In recent weeks, they been advocating through discussions with local MPs and member of the select committee for a process such as the one agreed to today.

The potential loss of jobs is significant, with wider impacts expected for growers, supply chains, and local communities. Hawke’s Bay is New Zealand’s largest horticulture-producing region, and in Central Hawke’s Bay alone more than 70 growers produce process vegetables such as peas, beans, carrots and sweetcorn, largely on contract to these companies. The loss of local processing capacity places those operations — and the viability of food production — at real risk.

Both councils are in direct contact with growers and industry, and say concern is growing about what the changes mean in practice.

Mayor Foley said the announcement said the issue is being felt immediately at a local level.

“Hawke's Bay has the best soils, a wonderful climate and we should be using these resources to grow.

“The Select Committee work should help us start to get to the bottom of why these business decisions are being made and what can be done differently, so we don't keep repeating history.

“This is important for Central Hawke's Bay, Hawke's Bay and New Zealand. I'm pleased this is being done.”

The mayors note that while these are commercial decisions, there are broader factors that warrant closer examination, including input costs, energy supply, and market conditions.

Mayor Schollum said the select committee process is an important step in building a clearer picture.

“There are a number of factors likely influencing these decisions, and at the moment there is limited visibility of how they come together. A parliamentary process helps ensure those drivers are properly understood, and whether there are wider implications for the sector.”

The mayors are encouraging the committee to take a broader approach to the briefing, to ensure it reflects the full extent of impacts across the food production system.

They say it will be important to hear from a range of stakeholders — including growers, industry representatives, and relevant agencies — to ensure a well-rounded view is considered.

Both mayors said they would welcome the opportunity to present to the committee in Wellington, alongside local growers, to ensure the Hawke’s Bay perspective is clearly represented.

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