The Green Party and animal welfare groups want the Government to phase out all cage systems for hens.
The SPCA and members of the SAFE animal rights group have launched a campaign targetting colony cages, which accommodate several hens.
Green MP Sue Kedgley believes the Government intends replacing battery hen cages with the colony cages when it bolsters animal welfare regulations.
But she says both types of cage are equally cruel.
She says the Greens have pledged to campaign for all caged systems for hens to be phased out.
The National Animal Welfare Advisory Committee has been considering hundreds of public submissions on its proposals for a new layer hen code.
Compared with battery cages, colony cages allow the hens more room to move, even though they hold up to 60 birds. They also have roosting and nesting areas and a scratch pad for the birds.
Committee chair John Hellstrom says colony cages are becoming the new international industry standard and New Zealand is lagging behind by not introducing them.
Dr Hellstrom says NAWAC expects its final recommendations will go to the Minister of Agriculture at the end of the month.
