Expanding our footprint in the Pacific

A strategic move into a Biosecure market New Zealand offers a unique advantage as a poultry production base, being free from major avian diseases and offering strong market access to the rapidly growing Asian markets. Hendrix Genetics’ operations in New Zealand consist of two key businesses:

• ISA NI (North Island): Focused on breeding, this operation supplies Layer and SASSO Breeders to AsiaPacific.
• ISA SI (South Island, trading as Bromley Park Hatcheries): Specializing in the distribution of commercial chicks within New Zealand and the Pacific Islands.

Located in Tuakau, just 40 minutes from Auckland International Airport, our hatchery boasts a capacity of 1.5 million Parent Stock chicks annually. The facility supplies key markets such as Thailand, Malaysia, and Sri Lanka, while also serving as a backup GP supply for Japan and China. Future plans include an upgrade to single-stage incubation technology to further enhance hatchery efficiency and chick quality.

In the South Island, the Ohoka Hatchery is at the heart of our commercial chick distribution. The Shaver Brown, our flagship breed, continues to dominate the New Zealand market due to its outstanding field performance:

• High egg production with low feed intake
• Excellent shell quality and optimal egg size
• Low floor egg percentages, making it ideal for the growing cage-free sector

Ensuring top-quality chick deliveries is a cornerstone of our operations. Decades of experience, strong logistics partnerships, and advanced welfare measures—including hydration gel for long journeys and temperature data loggers—help us maintain the highest standards. Additionally, our innovative single-use chick crates have significantly improved transport conditions, ensuring optimal chick health upon arrival.

The previous owners, the Batkin Family, had been involved in the New Zealand hatchery business for 105 years. Selling their family business was a difficult decision, but they have confidence that this transition is the best way to safeguard its future. In addition to the Batkin Family, Mainfeeds/Mainland Poultry Limited has also held a stake in the distribution activities and has retained its share in the distribution business. We take pride in our long-standing relationship with Mainfeeds, which supplies our feed and purchases a significant portion of Shaver Brown day-old chicks for their Mainland operations. Most of the workforce—over 95% of employees—has transitioned to Hendrix Genetics, ensuring continuity and stability for our customers.

With 48% of New Zealand’s eggs currently produced in colony cages, the shift towards alternative housing systems is accelerating. Major supermarket chains are set to stop selling cage eggs by 2027, reinforcing the demand for egg laying chicken breeds that thrive in free-range and barn systems—an area where Shaver Brown excels.

New Zealand’s geographical isolation has historically provided strong biosecurity benefits, but increasing freerange production highlights the need for strict biosecurity protocols against emerging threats like avian influenza. As the market evolves, Hendrix Genetics’ presence ensures technical support and expertise for both large-scale corporate farmers and traditional producers.

As the industry shifts towards corporate farming models, access to specialized poultry knowledge is becoming increasingly crucial. Hendrix Genetics is committed to providing direct technical support, helping New Zealand’s egg producers optimize performance and adapt to industry changes.

“With strong foundations in place and a clear vision for growth, our New Zealand operations mark an eggciting new chapter for Hendrix Genetics: one that strengthens our global network in supplying SASSO and Layer Parent Stock while supporting the evolving needs of Kiwi egg producers.”

With the opening of our new hatchery operations in New Zealand, you will also benefit from Hendrix Genetics' technical support and expertise to ensure you get the highest quality poultry. This opening was a good opportunity to celebrate this in the local tradition with our key customers and Bromley Park Hatcheries, who have made this project come to life.

Re-live the opening ceremony with us by watching our recap video!