Short supply: egg wholesaler goes bust, blames battery hen ban

Short supply: egg wholesaler goes bust, blames battery hen ban
Battery hen farming is now prohibited in New Zealand. (Image: Getty)
Riley Kennedy
An egg wholesaler who has gone bust owing creditors nearly $750,000 blames New Zealand’s recent ban on battery-farm hens.The ban was put in place at the start of this year and caused a shortage of eggs on supermarket shelves.In 2012, then Primary Industries Minister David Carter, under the National-led government, released a Code of Welfare that put in place a process for phasing out caged-egg production. From Dec 7 of that year, no new battery cages could be installed. At the time, 80% of the country’s...

More Primary Sector

Minerals royalties fall 40% as Govt orders review
Primary Sector

Minerals royalties fall 40% as Govt orders review

Govt’s cut from oil and gas slumps in line with production. 

The ‘evolution’ in Synlait Milk’s strategy
Primary Sector

The ‘evolution’ in Synlait Milk’s strategy

It’s going to return to being a South Island processor.

Alliance Group 'out of survival mode' back to 'growth' mode
Primary Sector

Alliance Group 'out of survival mode' back to 'growth' mode

The Dawn Meats joint venture will be official next week.

Riley Kennedy 24 Nov 2025