With unemployment hitting new lows and the border restricted in terms of accessing international talent, we know that manufacturers are finding staff shortages a big problem.  That came through loud and clear in the recent Performance Manufacturing Index survey.  Although there was expansion across production, new orders, employment and finished stocks, the comments were more negative than positive.  Most of the negative comments related to shortage of skills to meet demand.  We are strongly advocating to Government they need to do an immigration re-set to let people in that are needed in our workforce and reunite families of workers already here on visas.  Inflation looks to be on the march, and skills shortages will only add fuel to that fire.

027 463 3212 or cbeard@businessnz.org.nz

Expansion in New Zealand's manufacturing sector picked up in June, according to the latest BNZ - BusinessNZ Performance of Manufacturing Index (PMI).

The seasonally adjusted PMI for June was 60.7 (a PMI reading above 50.0 indicates that manufacturing is generally expanding; below 50.0 that it is declining).  This was 2.1 points higher than May, and the second time it had crossed the 60-point mark in four months.

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This article was originally published on the New Zealand Herald on the 7th of July 2021.

NZ’s export sector is getting hammered because of decisions about vaccinations and MIQ places.

Some exporters have done remarkably well through the Covid pandemic so far, but strains and cracks are starting to appear in a sector that the economy needs to be performing at its best.

Government Ministers talk about an ‘export-led recovery’: they are planning a trade mission to Australia, pursuing new Free Trade Agreements, and have allocated an additional $216 million to NZTE to support more exporters in a more fulsome way. They have also invested $60m in the World Expo in Dubai and are encouraging exporters interested in the region to leverage off that taxpayer investment.

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The six new groups tasked with bringing together industry and vocational education providers now have both the tools and the leadership to get cracking, Education Minister Chris Hipkins says.

The Minister joined the 54 newly-appointed Workforce Development Council (WDC) members at a launch event in Wellington this evening.

“The job of these councils will be to set skill standards, help industry achieve greater influence over what and how training is delivered and play a leadership role for their industries.

“Future planning will be a critical part of their role. Ensuring our training providers are offering the right courses, to get the right people graduating with the right skills to address our country’s skill shortages."

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At the height of Covid-19’s 2020 global impact job losses were rife within New Zealand’s forestry and wood industry.

Now the sector is faced with lack of skilled workers and an ageing workforce.

The dilemma has prompted the Central North Island Wood Council to launch a unique course in Tokoroa offering young people guaranteed employment and an insight into more than 40 jobs across the sector.

It comes amid New Zealand experiencing an export and building boom. International log prices have reached historic levels and June GDP figures for the first quarter show a 6.6 per cent increase in the construction sector.

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The finalists for the Wellington Export Awards were announced this week, and they feature some manufacturing powerhouses from the wider Wellington region.

Heavy industry manufacturers Sanpro Industries and ITL made the list alongside well-known food and beverage brands Whittaker’s and Fix & Fogg, setting up an exciting contest on the night.

Celebrate the importance of exporters to New Zealand’s economy and join the gala dinner on August 19th. Book your tickets here ->>

Industry training organisation Competenz has appointed Amanda Wheeler to the newly created role of Director, to lead the organisation through its transition into Te Pūkenga, The New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology and beyond.

Ms Wheeler is the current General Manager of Industry Training within Competenz and will commence in her new role on 02 August 2021. Competenz Board Chairperson George Adams said the board were excited by her vision and commitment.

“Amanda’s passion for industry training is clear in everything she does. She is a vocal and proud champion of the mahi the team at Competenz does and is extensively versed in the intricacies of the 38 industries they serve.

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Hastings-based New Zealand Frost Fans has been named ExportNZ Hawke's Bay ASB Exporter of the Year for 2021.

The manufacturer was presented with the award on Thursday night by ASB executive general manager for corporate banking, Nigel Annett, at the sold-out awards dinner at the Toitoi Hawke's Bay Arts and Event Centre.

Judges said the company set a new standard for a growth company that was well balanced - a key factor that saw it take out the big prize.

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You are invited to take part in a survey on business conditions in New Zealand.

The Mood of the Boardroom Survey asks your views on current business issues, and takes the pulse of business sentiment among business owners and operators throughout New Zealand.

The Mood of the Boardroom survey is conducted by the BusinessNZ Network and NZ Herald.  Survey results will be published by the BusinessNZ Network and the NZ Herald on 14 September.

Please complete the survey here by 20 August ->>

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.

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