A South Waikato forest is about to be full of hens - but free of cruelty

Better Eggs is launching a free range farm today across a 139 hectare property near Tokoroa.

Over the next five years, more than 320-thousand chickens will populate the eight laying sheds, which will make it the country's leading egg production site.

Better Eggs chief executive Gareth van der Hayden says an ethical food production process is front of mind, ensuring the best possible environment for the chooks.