McCain shutdown: Mayors see risk to the food basket of Hawke’s Bay – ‘We cannot afford to accept this as inevitable’

The recent announcement of McCain’s impending shutdown has sent ripples of concern across Hawke’s Bay, prompting local leaders to issue a stark warning about the region’s economic future. Mayors from across the area are voicing their collective alarm, emphasizing that this development is more than just a single business closure; it’s a potential threat to the very foundation of Hawke’s Bay’s identity as New Zealand’s ‘food basket’.

At the heart of their message is the urgent need for a strategic response. As one mayor articulated, ‘If we don’t get this right, we risk hollowing out industries that underpin our economy.’ This sentiment underscores the fear that the loss of a major player like McCain could trigger a domino effect, impacting not just direct employees but also a vast network of growers, suppliers, logistics providers, and associated services.

The region’s agricultural and horticultural sectors are deeply intertwined. A significant closure can disrupt supply chains, reduce demand for local produce, and ultimately diminish the economic viability for many smaller businesses and family farms. The mayors are adamant that this is not a situation to be passively observed. They are calling for proactive measures, collaboration between local and central government, and innovative solutions to mitigate the immediate impact and ensure the long-term resilience of the region’s vital food production capabilities.

The call to action is clear: Hawke’s Bay cannot afford to treat this as an inevitable decline. It’s a critical juncture that demands foresight, collective effort, and a commitment to protecting the industries that have historically sustained and defined the region. The focus now turns to how the community and its leaders will respond to transform this challenge into an opportunity for revitalisation and diversification.

Source: Original Article