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The latest PMI shows that New Zealand's manufacturing sector has had a return to expansion, while this is a positive step forward, the numbers behind the figure show a sector that is still struggling to gain traction.

This week, ManufacturingNZ and BusinessNZ submitted on MBIE’s Advanced Manufacturing Draft Industry Transformation Plan.

The Productivity Commission’s Fit for the Future report was released earlier this week.

It’s encouraging to see March's PMI (Performance of Manufacturing Index) continue on an upward trend, albeit slightly.

We're seeing some good signs in the industry as we reach the omicron peak and start to resume business as usual.

We’re seeing some good signs in the industry as we reach the omicron peak and start to resume business as usual.

We had some very good news earlier in the month, with the Government’s announcement on reconnecting New Zealand to the world.

It has been my privilege to meet with you, hear your stories, and represent you to Government and in the media for the last 11 years. I have enjoyed it immensely and could not have worked on behalf of a more worthy business community. It never ceases to amaze me at all the wonderful, innovative and customer tailored solutions I see emerging from our manufacturing sector.

No surprises that the latest Performance Manufacturing Index shows the North Island is in contraction and the South Island is in expansion.

We are still feeling for manufacturers frustrated by lockdown levels and border issues – both to get back into NZ for international business travel and to get goods in and out of the Auckland region.

We know it is tough times for manufacturers in Auckland level 4 lockdown, particularly those of you that are manufacturing non-food ‘essential’ products for export customers, but you are unable to operate for those orders.

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.