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MESSAGE FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Two big things to note in this spring issue of Manufacturing News.  One is the information on how well manufacturing in New Zealand is doing (we have been outperforming Australia, EU, USA and Japan for some time on the International PMI). Manufacturing provides $12 billion in wages to NZ households, has higher median wages than the economy as a whole and has increased investment in plant and machinery by 20% over the last two years.  Check out the report below.

Second thing to note is that those of you who export should complete our annual Exporter survey.  This year we have teamed up with DHL and if you complete the survey you go in the draw to win 2x category-A Tickets to watch New Zealand take on the British & Irish Lions at the first test match at Eden Park on 24th June 2017, so don’t miss out!

Catherine Beard
027 463 3212 or cbeard@businessnz.org.nz

The Importance of Manufacturing to the New Zealand Economy

"Manufacturing - employing a quarter of a million New Zealanders, contributing $12 billion in wages, and earning billions in export revenue every year - is delivering for the New Zealand economy."

Find out which parts of the manufacturing sector are growing most strongly, and where the best jobs in manufacturing can be found

Catherine Beard explains manufacturing’s success

ExportNZ DHL Export Barometer 2016

Voice your needs and gain support! ExportNZ and DHL are teaming up on a short exporter survey.

The survey takes approximately 5 minutes to complete and all responses are strictly confidential.

Please fill it in so we can ensure government agencies and others can understand your challenges and opportunities, and we can ensure you are properly supported. Plus you'll be in to win 2x category-A Tickets to watch NZ take on the British & Irish Lions. Take the survey here...

Steady state – PMI

New Zealand's manufacturing sector remained in a steady state of expansion, according to the latest BNZ - BusinessNZ Performance of Manufacturing Index (PMI).

The seasonally adjusted PMI for August was 55.1 (a PMI reading above 50.0 indicates that manufacturing is generally expanding; below 50.0 that it is declining). This was 0.4 points lower than July, but still represented healthy growth for manufacturing in New Zealand. The sector remains solidly in expansion in almost all months since October 2012. More...

New Occupation Outlook app and report

Occupation Outlook is a great resource for students and parents  to look at when thinking about study and career options.

It contains education, employment and income information on 60 key occupations in New Zealand - chosen for their size, popularity, and potential for future growth.

There is a section on Manufacturing and Technology occupations (red section) in the full publication here. There is also an App available here.

MBIE is looking at updating the report to include 100 occupations covering about 90% of jobs. It would be good to hear from Manufacturers who have suggestions for other critical occupations in manufacturing that could be added.

Are your employees’ skills holding your competitive edge back?

OECD and MBIE data shows that manufacturing has a large concentration of low skilled workers.

When employees can’t read, write, add numbers or measure correctly, or lack the confidence to tackle new problems, it costs your business. The costs come from higher accident rates, higher staff turnover rates, missed deadlines, unnecessary wastage and mistakes.

But there is good news. A well-trained, highly literate and numerate workforce will help your business be more productive. Government is co-investing with business to help raise workplace literacy skills of employees.

Not sure if your organisation has a problem? There are helpful hints on what to look for. The Skills Highway website has a range of resources and case studies highlighting a range of businesses that have achieved significant business benefits from workplace literacy training.

Do you believe paying men and women equally is important for business?

Is the answer is "Yes", then why not Enter the Equal Pay Awards?

Wherever you are on the equal pay journey, you could be eligible to endorse your organisation’s commitment to equal pay, and promote yourselves as an employer of choice.

If attracting top talent, enjoying a positive corporate reputation, and increasing economic potential is important to you, enter the YWCA Equal Pay Awards today. Being an equal pay organisation is not just the right thing to do, it’s good for business too.
 
In order for New Zealand businesses to help bridge the 14% pay disparity* we need you to stand up, be counted, and inspire a much needed groundswell of change.

ENTER THE AWARDS

The Research Maximum Funding Database

www.researchmaximum.com is the only New Zealand based service which has systematically organised all research and innovation funding opportunities from government, overseas research funding agencies,  local authorities and trusts into a web based “My SQL” database. More...

New guide to drive investment in tech sector

Economic Development Minister Steven Joyce and Communications Minister Amy Adams have launched a new guide to attract more investment in New Zealand’s fast growing technology sector.

The Investor Guide to the New Zealand Technology Sector has been brought to life by the Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment (MBIE) and the Technology Investment Network (TIN). It provides investors with the most recent data and insights to encourage them to make informed investments in New Zealand’s thriving technology sector. More...

See the guide here.

Fact sheet here.

Make the World

The E2E Make the World campaign has been doing a great job of highlighting the variety of careers available through having engineering qualifications. It features some great case studies showcasing what employers are doing to grow and attract talent.

Common to all the case studies is that these businesses have decided to get involved in education. Some through development of curricular, offering work experience, releasing staff for careers talks, offering scholarships and cadetships. Find out more here. 

Here is a great Wellington example where firms are collaborating to promote engineering awareness.

Read more at maketheworld.nz.

Digital Journey

Through Digital Journey businesses can assess how they use technology and build an action plan for success. Adopting new technologies and optimising your online presence can deliver improved productivity across all areas of business. To find out more click here.

SouthMACH 2017 Exhibitor bookings OPEN!

Christchurch is New Zealand’s second largest manufacturing centre employing around 22,750 people and contributes approximately $2.2billion to Christchurch’s GDP.

Combine this with the wider South Island economy and SouthMACH has the opportunity to deliver your business a targeted and qualified audience like no other marketing platform.

SouthMACH 2017 is the South Island’s largest Manufacturing, Engineering & Technology trade show.  This is your chance to get face to face with 2,000+ industry professionals and decision makers!  Enquire about exhibiting now...

Contract manufacturing

Did you know we have a directory of contract manufacturers listed on our website? Its aim is to allow businesses to find contract manufacturers who may be able to assist them with a particular project.

If you are interested in being listed in our directory, or would like to browse it, click here.

ManufacturingNZ
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