McCain confirms Hastings vegetable processing plant will close in 2027

Tuesday, 24 March 2026

McCain ANZ has confirmed that their Hastings vegetable processing plant will close at the end of the year’s processing and packing season, which is expected to be on January 31, 2027.

A McCain spokesperson said roles at Hastings site will be impacted as operations wind down.

“McCain is consulting and communicating directly with affected employees whose roles may be impacted by providing them with all relevant information about the planned closure, and is also providing dedicated transition assistance, career support, and access to wellbeing services,” the spokesperson said.

The spokesperson said the decision follows a “strategic review of our Hastings operations and reflects a shift in how McCain will supply its vegetable portfolio within Australia and New Zealand.”

“After carefully considering a range of options, we determined that transitioning to a different supply model is the most responsible path forward and best supports the long-term vision of our organisation.”

The spokesperson said the company was consulting with all employees whose roles would be affected by the planned closure.

Regional Development Minster Shane Jones blamed the gentailers.

“Well, we are facing deindustrialisation, and a large part of it is the cost of energy in New Zealand, and that's driven by the egregious behaviour of the gentailers,“ he said.

“You've heard me on this on numerous occasions: Until such time we can develop a remedy for affordable energy, I fear that the gentailers are responsible for a worsened situation of deindustrialisation.”

Labour Leader Chris Hipkins said he was worried about the country’s overall food security.

“We're seeing a lot of food producers in New Zealand, food processors in New Zealand, folding up. That's going to have a flow on effect to food growers. And we should be concerned about that,” he said.