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message from the executive director

It is concerning that the PMI has gone into contraction for the first time in 7 years. This monthly manufacturing survey indicates that manufacturers are finding demand slowing down, both from NZ customers and from export markets as well.  Innovation and productivity improvements are a couple of ways to cope with tough times.  See my report below on what industry 4.0 means for manufacturers and check out the IRD calculator below to see if you are eligible for R&D tax credits.

Catherine Beard

027 463 3212 or cbeard@businessnz.org.nz

Contraction – PMI

New Zealand's manufacturing sector fell into contraction for the first time since 2012, according to the latest BNZ - BusinessNZ Performance of Manufacturing Index (PMI).

The seasonally adjusted PMI for July was 48.2 (a PMI reading above 50.0 indicates that manufacturing is generally expanding; below 50.0 that it is declining).  This was 2.9 points down from June, and the lowest overall result since August 2012.

BusinessNZ's executive director for manufacturing Catherine Beard said that concerns around the direction of activity over the last six months has inevitably led to the sector falling into decline.

More ->>

Updates from the Advance Manufacturing Forum

I attended the Advance Manufacturing Forum on 7 August and it was good to hear how Australian manufacturers are getting to grips with what Industry 4.0 actually means at a practical level and particularly for small to medium size (SME) manufacturers.
In a nutshell I came to the view that SME manufacturers would be more engaged with this digital revolution if we re-labelled it Productivity 4.0.  As one speaker said, start with the business problem you are solving and then work out the appropriate technology – and “It’s a journey of value creation and value capture – not a destination”.

More ->>

Employment Visa Escalations

Immigration New Zealand (INZ) has created a process to respond to escalation requests for urgent allocation for employment related visas (and associated family members) for both Temporary Work Visas and Skilled Resident Visas.

This includes all employment related products held at the Manukau, Christchurch, Porirua and currently with Henderson and Manila offices, excluding specific business products processed by the business team in Porirua.

A mailbox will be monitored and actioned by a team of dedicated Immigration Managers who will assess these requests for escalation. A request for escalation will be considered against the following criteria:

  • compelling personal circumstances,
  • humanitarian factors, and
  • matters of national interest.
  • INZ will respond to all requests within two working days to confirm if the application will be prioritised for urgent allocation or not. The EVE Immigration Manager’s determination of any request for escalation is final and they will not respond to further communication about the request and justification around the decision.

All requests for priority allocation of employment related visa applications should be forwarded to the EVE mailbox here

Voice your needs and gain support!

ExportNZ and DHL are teaming up on a short exporter survey.

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. 

YOU WILL GO IN THE DRAW TO WIN AN IPAD AND A RUGBY WORLD CUP MERCHANDISE SET INCLUDING:
• Wheeled bag
• Handheld bag
• Cap
• Ball
• Vest

Complete the survey here ->>

Industry4.0 masterclass

No matter what your role is, navigating your business through the colliding technologies of Industry 4.0 is challenging. The opportunities for efficiency, innovation and enhanced customer experience are abundant, but balancing the investments needed with the risks of being disrupted or left behind by global competitors are real.

If you’re invested in a smart future but need best-practice input on getting your strategy right, you should read on.
We’re thrilled to let you know that for the very first time, Henrik von Scheel — best known as the ‘originator of the 4th Industrial Revolution’ — is bringing his pioneering Industry 4.0 Masterclass to Australia.

Henrik is credited with masterminding the European Digital Revolution (German Digital Agenda), which ignited the global themes of today. As the inaugurator of Germany’s digital agenda in 2009, he instigated a global wave of national and corporate digital strategy adoptions.

Melbourne Registration (17 Sept):
Promotional Code: INHM10
Sydney Registration (19 Sept):
Promotional Code: INH10

More ->>

Hear more about the China Trade Mission

Looking to do business in Western China? Are you interested in joining a trade mission to Chengdu and Xi’an?  Join the Opening Doors to the West Forum; Chengdu and Xi’an’s pivotal location is the economic engine of China’s western economic development.

Hear from Alistair Crozier, the previous New Zealand Consul General to Chengdu who will share his thoughts on the business opportunities in the West of China, along with a representatives from the municipalities of Chengdu and Xi’an via a video conference in support of the Forum.

Find out more here ->>

Research and Development (R&D) Tax Incentive eligibility tool

This tool will help you determine if your organisation and activity may be eligible for the research & development tax incentive.

To be able to claim, your business must be based in New Zealand, and have eligible R&D expenditure of at least $50,000 in your income (tax) year. The minimum spend does not apply if you contract out your R&D to an approved research provider. 

The tool takes you through a three step process. To be eligible for the R&D tax incentive you must satisfy requirements in each step.

Find out more ->>

Contract Manufacturers

Don’t forget to check out our contract manufacturers directory if you are looking for contract manufacturing support or you are wanting to advertise your services.

More ->>

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