Procurement is a hot topic in the manufacturing sector, and we'll be putting out a special update on this area soon. In the meantime, the good news is that the Procurement Policy Team at the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) has listened to our gripes and are now consulting on how to improve panel contracting practices across government.

Innovation is a strong theme in manufacturing and is key for keeping a competitive edge.

As we move into 2017, the prospects for manufacturing remain very positive, as the expansion we saw in November remains at the same level throughout December.

As we near the end of the year, 2016 is shaping up as better than 2015 for the manufacturing sector, with the PMI remaining in a state of expansion each month.

Manufacturing is the unsung hero of the economy as the latest economic survey of manufacturing shows very strong growth.

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...

Manufacturing stretching upwards, girls stepping up in ICT, make the world and more...

Apprentice funding, support for small business, surprising strategies and more...

Exporting manufacturers are in for a treat at this year's Go Global at the Langham Auckland on 26 May. Also in this issue, advice and guidance on navigating new law changes to the Health and Safety at Work Act that could affect your business.

A healthy start to the manufacturing year as the January BNZ - BusinessNZ Performance of Manufacturing Index showed its highest level of expansion since October 2014!