Newsletters

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.

BusinessNZ has been working with our network partners at EMA and the Manufacturers Network to provide some guidance for safe work practices at alert level 3.

Today Minister of Finance, Hon Grant Roberston, gave an update to members and provided greater detail on the Government’s plan to respond to COVID19 – from the first wave of the immediate response, to the second wave of kickstarting the economy and the third wave where the Government will look to reset and rebuild.

In this edition we have some information on standards required for the various level of face mask and hand sanitiser equipment and an indication from Government as to the quantities they would be wanting to source.