Last week BayBuzz reported that Mayors Wendy Schollum and Will Foley were pushing for a feasibility study to examine infrastructure requirements, market opportunities, logistics, energy and water considerations, workforce needs and overall commercial sustainability for continued produce processing in Hawke’s Bay.

This on the heels of closures announced by McCain and HeinzWatties.

In the case of McCain, a more immediate and complete shutdown is signalled, which would result in loss of production infrastructure and capability that conceivably could be kept operational – and viable – under some other grower-led ownership model.

Consequently, the mayors have asked McCain for an “eight-week pause on any major changes to the company’s Hawke’s Bay processing plant”. The formal letter is linked below, addressed to McCain officials in Canada, who will be deciding the matter. It says in part:

“During this period, we ask that McCain refrain from disassembling or materially altering plant and equipment where possible, to ensure that any assessment can be undertaken on the basis of the facility remaining substantially intact. Our understanding from discussions to date is that the plant remains in good condition and that preserving optionality during this short timeframe could prove important.” 

The mayors said Government support would be critical to ensuring the feasibility investigation could be undertaken quickly, independently and with the level of commercial and technical rigour required.

“This is a significant piece of work with potentially important implications for Hawke’s Bay and New Zealand’s wider food production sector,” Mayor Foley said. “Government support would help ensure growers have access to the expertise and analysis needed to properly assess whether a sustainable long-term future remains possible for the sector.”

Stay tuned.

Download mayors’ letter to McCain Foods