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MESSAGE FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Lots going on this month, not least in the performance of the manufacturing sector which has now been in expansion for 33 consecutive months, despite travelling a turbulent path during the first six months of this year.

Exporting manufacturers interested in conquering the markets of Singapore and Malaysia, there is still a fantastic opportunity to take advantage of the trade mission leaving next month - but you need to act fast! See below for details...

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

BNZ - BusinessNZ PMI
PMI – Expansion reigns

New Zealand’s manufacturing sector experienced an increase in expansion during June, according to the latest BNZ - BusinessNZ Performance of Manufacturing Index (PMI).

The seasonally adjusted PMI for June was 55.2 and the sector has now been in expansion for 33 consecutive months.

ManufacturingNZ executive director Catherine Beard said, "The key indicators of production, new orders and employment all showed stronger expansion, while the proportion of negative comments for June (46.4%) was down slightly from the previous month (47.3%).   Positive comments in June were varied, with many outlining specific influences to their business.  On the flip side, a number of negative comments were centred on the reduced dairy payout, which in turn has led to a decrease in rural spending.

"Overall, the first six months of 2015 have seen more volatility in overall activity compared with recent years, although the index continues to show the sector in growth mode." More...

Trade mission to Malaysia/Singapore - deadline approaching

ExportNZ, in partnership with the ASEAN NZ Business Council, is planning a trade mission to Malaysia and Singapore, 23 – 28 August, 2015. It will visit Kuala Lumpur, Johor Bahru and Singapore. This is an opportunity to participate in a co-ordinated visit with a structured programme of business briefings, company visits, networking events and one-on-one meetings.

Benefits if participating include:
1. Gaining a better understanding of the market.
2. Developing a strategy/plan for the market (can do this through advice from AmBank, ANZ, NZTE, Beachheads Advisers etc.).
3. Building connections to partners and/or buyers.

The absolute latest date for registrations is 20th July. Click here for pricing and registration details.

Plans to suspend anti-dumping protection causing concern

There are widespread concerns from NZ industry at the moves to make it OK to dump product in New Zealand (export price to New Zealand is lower than the domestic price of the exporting country). 

The Government is looking to introduce a “bounded public interest test” – which essentially means dumping is OK as long as consumers are getting a better price or if the action means a dominant market participant gets some new competition. 

What does that say to local manufacturers? What does this do to quality?  More...

Mind Altering Substance – Salim Ismail

Callaghan Innovation in association with BusinessNZ presents Salim Ismail. Salim is a world-renowned author, Founding Executive Director of Singularity University, sought-after business strategist and entrepreneur who will blow your mind with his insights on how key disruptive technologies will change the future of business. Discover the answers to what every person in business wants to know - what the future holds and what are the opportunities.

The acceleration of disruptive technologies and globalization are giving rise to a new way of doing business - one that leverages openness, transparency and abundance. Learn how you can build a startup with these principles, how you can apply them to a mid-market company and how you can retrofit these ideas into a large organisation.

Auckland is nearly sold out, but there are still spaces left in Wellington and Christchurch. More...

Mutual Recognition Arrangements - how useful are they?

The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) wants to find out more about how effective a type of trade facilitation instrument is, and it's conducting a survey so businesses can share their views.

This evaluation covers conformity assessment mutual recognition arrangements (MRAs).  These are designed to improve market access by reducing the time and costs needed to gain product approvals.  The MRAs we are evaluating cover electrical and electronic products, medicinal products, medical devices, machinery, pressure equipment and telecommunications terminal equipment.

Your feedback will be very valuable, as it will provide MBIE with insights on the impacts that MRAs might have on your business.  The survey is best answered by someone in your business who is familiar with regulatory and market access requirements for the countries you trade with. If you’d like to take part, please complete the online survey here...

Government Procurement – Could do better

We are working hard with MBIE policy staff to make Government Procurement more user friendly for small to medium size (and even large) New Zealand suppliers. 

We have argued that in a small economy, the only way to grow bigger companies of scale is to get them involved in bigger projects.  Who does bigger projects in the NZ economy?  The Government – with a $40 billion annual spend.  We want local companies to have a fair shot at getting into the supply chain for Government work. More...

Procurement as a business growth enabler

The better we buy, the easier it is to sell (and serve).

A global report on how well equipped organisations are to utilise the management of their supply base as innovators and enablers of business success (to obtain your free copy click here) suggests that New Zealand is not yet punching above its weight in this important value-adding business capability.

Over 10,000 persons involved in business procurement activities around the world have been assessed over a period of 10 years, across a range of competencies. The results identify key areas where New Zealand businesses could better focus and enjoy greater business benefits. More...

Boost for Kiwi students as Chorus shapes its future workforce

Chorus has teamed up with secondary schools to introduce students to the world of telecommunications and technology through its Schools Gateway Programme.

“For Chorus, the benefits are an increased awareness of the great careers available in our industry,” says Michael Hansen, Manager, Service Company Implementation, Chorus.

“We also end up with a pool of skilled candidates for technical roles, including apprenticeships. The young people who are successful in this programme will develop useful skills that are relevant for a career in telecommunications. More...

Lean Japan

A group hosted by Shinka Management and Simply Lean Business Solutions has just returned from a Lean Japan Tour which was a great success.

Twelve kiwis joined participants from Australia and Europe and were treated to factory visits and inspiring lectures from Sensei, Akinori Hyodo, who also led a Lean Master Class in Auckland earlier this year. More...

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