Efforts are underway to try to save the Heinz Wattie’s manufacturing plant in Hornby following a proposal which could see the Christchurch site shut.

As first reported by chrislynchmedia.com, Heinz Wattie’s announced proposed changes to its New Zealand operations which could lead to the closure of three manufacturing sites in Auckland, Christchurch and Dunedin.

The proposal includes plans to discontinue the sale and production of frozen vegetables, Gregg’s coffee, and dips sold under the Mediterranean, Just Hummus and Good Taste Company brands.

Around 350 roles across the country are expected to be affected by the proposal, though the final number will be confirmed following consultation with staff and consideration of potential redeployment opportunities.

Christchurch City Councillor Mark Peters, who represents the Hornby Ward, said he was shocked by the proposal and is working with city leaders to try to overturn the decision.

He said he’s  working with ChristchurchNZ and Christchurch City Council to see whether a solution can be found to convince the company to reconsider.

“Hornby has a long history of hosting Wattie’s in our area and we deeply value what the company brings to our community,” Peters said.

“It is far preferable to support and retain all the jobs Heinz Wattie’s provides rather than having to try and attract and develop replacement opportunities,” Peters said.

“My thoughts are with all the employees and their families as they work through this consultation on the proposal to close the plant,” he said.

He said he is determined to work with economic development officials and council colleagues to ensure every option is explored to keep the Hornby facility operating.

Greater Hornby Residents Association Chairman Marc Duff said, “It’s incredibly sad to see such an iconic Hornby plant close its doors.

“For decades, it’s been more than just a workplace; it’s been a cornerstone of the community where generations of locals have built their lives.

“Our hearts go out to the young families and the migrant workers who are now facing such an uncertain future.

“This loss is a sobering sign of the times, but it serves as a powerful reminder: as consumers, we must support our local businesses, or we risk losing them forever.”

Wigram MP Megan Woods said “this news is a devastating blow for Hornby and our wider community.

“Over my years as the local MP, I have met many local people who have worked at this facility, in many cases for decades. They rely on this work to put food on the table and keep a roof over their heads. My thoughts are with all the workers and their families who are now facing uncertainty and possible job losses.

“(Wigram Candidate) Dom Yanzick and I are in contact with the local E tū organiser and have shared our support.

“We’re standing with unions and staff to do anything we can to assist. If this proposal goes ahead, at the very least the workers deserve genuine consultation, fair redundancy, and redeployment.

This is not just about a factory closure; it’s about real people and the future of decent work in our community. We’ll be pushing for accountability from corporate leadership and for government support to help affected workers and families find stability and new opportunities.”

E tū delegate Kathy Perrin, who has worked at Heinz Wattie’s for 46 years in different roles, said the impact on workers would be devastating.

“I am gutted for our workmates. Some are retirement age, paying high rents, living pay cheque to pay cheque,” Perrin said.

“The devastating financial and emotional impact on my colleagues cannot be overstated. The average length of service is around 30 years. There is nowhere else to go.

“We’re all disappointed with how Heinz Wattie’s have handled this.”

Perrin said the company had also let down long serving seasonal workers.

“Seasonal workers who have worked here for over 20 years are being made redundant without financial compensation. They have been let down. The company should be making sure they receive compensation, and that a fair process is followed supporting those who will be impacted by this change.”

E tū Director Finn O’Dwyer Cunliffe said the announced closures were a massive blow for workers, their families, and the wider communities that depend on these jobs.

“These workers have given decades of their lives to this company. For many, this is the only job they’ve known. The impact on them and their families will be severe,” he said.

“It’s not just the factory workers. Around 220 growers in the Canterbury region alone supply the Christchurch site. The ripple effects of these closures will be felt across entire communities.

“This is part of an unfortunately familiar pattern of local manufacturing shutting down across New Zealand. We’ve seen it with Carter Holt Harvey at Eves Valley, Sealord in Nelson, Kinleith Pulp and Paper, and now Heinz Wattie’s. It’s a trend that is deeply damaging to workers, to communities, and to the country.”

O’Dwyer Cunliffe said New Zealand should be producing more food locally, not less.

“We should be investing in local manufacturing, keeping people employed, and strengthening our food security. Instead, we’re watching iconic New Zealand brands disappear from our production lines. That’s not good for workers, it’s not good for regional economies, and it’s not good for the country.

“The Government has been asleep at the wheel while local manufacturing collapses around the country. These are market failures that demand a response, and working people deserve better than a Government that shrugs its shoulders while good jobs disappear.”

He said the union would continue to represent workers throughout the consultation process.

“Heinz Wattie’s talks about generous redundancy packages, but seasonal workers who have given years to this company could be made redundant without compensation. That is not acceptable. E tū will be fighting to make sure every affected worker gets a fair deal.”