Next time you reach for eggs at Woolworths, you can do so knowing every single carton is cage-free.

Woolworths New Zealand has become the first national retailer to sell only cage-free eggs across all its stores, three months ahead of its December 2025 goal.

The move marks the end of colony-caged eggs on Woolworths shelves and a win for animal welfare.

SPCA has congratulated Woolworths for its leadership, saying the decision supports better lives for hens nationwide.

‘Cage-free’ covers both barn and free-range systems, while colony cages restrict hens from natural behaviours like perching, nesting and stretching their wings.

All SPCA Certified branded eggs on Woolworths shelves are cage-free, coming from farms independently audited to meet high animal welfare standards.

Woolworths Head of Sustainability Catherine Langabeer says the retailer’s next goal is ensuring eggs used in its Woolworths Own Brand products are also cage-free.

“Reaching this milestone early shows our commitment to suppliers, customers, and doing what’s right.”

For Coasties, it’s one more reason to feel good about breakfast. Every egg now comes from hens that can move, scratch, and live naturally.

Seen something local we should cover?

Let us know at [email protected]