McCain Foods declines Hawke's Bay mayors' request to pause factory closure
Food company McCain Foods has declined a request by the Hastings and Central Hawke's Bay mayors in New Zealand to pause a factory closure for eight weeks. The mayors had sought time for growers to find a solution for a possible takeover.

Food company McCain Foods has declined a request to pause the closure of a factory in New Zealand's Hawke's Bay region. According to RNZ, the Hastings and Central Hawke's Bay mayors had asked for an eight-week pause.
The mayors argued the time would let growers seek a solution for a possible takeover. The closure raises concerns over jobs and incomes for local growers and the wider agricultural supply chain.
After McCain's decision, local officials and growers are expected to keep looking for alternative solutions. Information here is based on company and council statements and RNZ's reporting.
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