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MESSAGE FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

The start of a new year represents a time for reassessment, questioning whether we are in any sort of rut or comfort zone, and thinking outside the box.

For example, some Kiwi manufacturers are already proving they've got what it takes to compete with China for supplying huge multi-national customers.

What could you do this year that you may not have thought possible before?

I hear time and again that for Kiwi firms the key is to focus on providing superior quality goods and services, and leading in a niche market.

Catherine Beard
027 463 3212 or cbeard@businessnz.org.nz

Shattering the 'Made in China' default

A report by the Boston Consulting Group concluded that China should no longer be treated as the “default location” for cheap factories.

I look at what this means for Kiwi manufacturers and how some are already proving they've got what it takes to do it better than China. More...

C Beard

Inspiring kids into manufacturing

The CBI's See Inside Manufacturing initiative in the UK is an example of how manufacturers and the Government can get together to inspire the next generation of kids into manufacturing. Should we be doing this in New Zealand? More...

Vocational Pathways provide options for school students

Work has begun to develop five initial vocational pathways – including a manufacturing and technology pathway – as a bridge to industry training, further study and employment. Vocational Pathways aim to give new and clear learning options to students, especially for the estimated 70% of secondary school students who don’t go from school to university. More...

Brighter end to the year for manufacturers

Manufacturing activity improved enough over December to be back in positive territory, according to the latest BNZ-BusinessNZ Performance of Manufacturing Index (PMI). More...

OECD Sustainable Manufacturing Toolkit

Managing operations in an environmentally and socially responsible manner – "sustainable manufacturing" – is no longer just nice-to-have, but a business imperative. Companies face increased costs in materials, energy, and compliance coupled with higher expectations of customers, investors and local communities.

The OECD Sustainable Manufacturing Toolkit provides a practical starting point for businesses to improve the efficiency of their production processes and products. More...

Keep up with Technical Barriers to Trade

Standards New Zealand is operating an alert system that keeps you informed of any changes to technical barriers to trade in your area/industry.

By subscribing and ticking your area of interest – for example, manufactured goods – you can receive emails about any notifications made recently to the World Trade Organization (WTO). More...

Engineering, Machinery & Electronics Exhibition 2012

EMEX 2012 is a chance for anyone involved in the engineering, machinery and electronics industries to discover new technology and products and compare what is on offer, get hands on experience with the technology, and meet the people behind the products. And, it's free! More...

CILTNZ 2012 Conference – the logistics of natural disaster recovery

In a world where natural disasters seem to be increasingly common, being prepared for such circumstances is something we all need to think about. This conference is for anyone who might be involved in disaster readiness, response and recovery planning and operations, particularly in the area of logistics and transport.

5 – 7 March, Wellington & Christchurch. More... 

Small Businesses Conference – From Seedling to Success

Specifically designed for small businesses, this conference provides opportunities to hear winning strategies from successful business people, meet others facing the same challenges and help you to think about where you want to be and how to get there. More...

Leaders Review video – Agritech Export Sector

Five leaders in the Agricultural Technology sector share their observations, learnings and focus. More...

ManufacturingNZ
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