Photo: SuppliedThe mayor of Central Hawke's Bay says the region has been hit hard by back-to-back announcements of factory closures. The decision came in the same week that McCain Foods announced it would close its Hastings vegetable processing plant. Central Hawke's Bay Mayor Will Foley says it is a huge blow. I think we need much stronger and more deliberate backing of New Zealand made goods and services both by government and consumers. Canterbury vegetable grower Alastair Clemens, who grew processed peas and carrots for Heinz Wattie's in Barrhill, said the closures were devastating for growers.

Source: Otago Daily Times March 27, 2026 23:19 UTC