Having trouble reading this? View it in your browser. Not interested? Unsubscribe instantly.

MESSAGE FROM MANUFACTURINGNZ

Happy Friday!

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

The Performance of Manufacturing Index (PMI) for February showed a slight increase from the previous month (up to 53.6), while the signs are positive, there are still lingering issues with COVID-19, global supply chains, and also the Russian Invasion of Ukraine that are causes for concern.

Xero's recently released Small Business Index showed similar positive results, with a reported 15.7 per cent increase in sales year on year for the manufacturing industry. We're keen to know if the PMI and SBI results are in line with what our members are experiencing, so if you have any thoughts, please send them through to me.

With the next phase of border reopenings brought forward, temporary work visa holders will be able to enter New Zealand from Tuesday 12th April. We are relieved by the announcement and will continue to advocate for a relaxed border setting. We also note that the border will open to Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) holders from July at the latest.

Enjoy your weekend,
Josh

Pros and cons - PMI

New Zealand's manufacturing sector saw a lift in the level of expansion for February, according to the latest BNZ - BusinessNZ Performance of Manufacturing Index (PMI).

The seasonally adjusted PMI for February was 53.6 (a PMI reading above 50.0 indicates that manufacturing is generally expanding; below 50.0 that it is declining).  This was 1.3 points higher than January, and above the long-term average of 53.1 for the survey.

See more ->>

Xero Small Business Index Global Monthly Update - February 2022

Xero released its Xero Small Business Index for February 2022, showing the New Zealand small business sector fared well against the initial challenges presented by Omicron.

Read the update here ->>

Critical staff shortages hamper business and the economy

A new report by Sense Partners for BusinessNZ: Labour Market Conditions for Business shows critical worker shortages, record high levels of employment, and record high demand for goods and services, highlighting the need for immigration to start flowing as the border opens.

BusinessNZ Chief Executive Kirk Hope says the report puts some data behind what the BusinessNZ Network has been hearing from businesses since the pandemic began, that they are desperately short of skilled employees and having significant difficulties filling vacancies.

Read more ->>

BusinessNZ Advocacy Website

For updates on BusinessNZ advocacy and for the latest Advocacy Update, BusinessNZ's advocacy newsletter, have a look at the new advocacy the website here.

Mechanical Engineering Apprentice Call For #breakthebias - NZ Needs More Women In The Trades

Slowly but surely: the gradual rise of women entering the trades -  International Womens Day shines light on gender imbalance Ahead of International Womens Day next Tuesday 8 March, work-based learning organisation Competenz is calling for more …

Read more ->>

Govt allows 100 manufacturing workers to enter country in bid to relieve pressure

The Government will allow 100 manufacturing workers to enter the country under a special immigration arrangement, but business owners say it is still not enough to meet demand.

Read more ->>

Signs of War's Hit to Manufacturing Emerge in Japan, Australia

Flash readings of manufacturing costs in Australia and Japan soared in March after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine triggered turmoil in commodity and energy markets.

Read more ->>

China aims high in agriculture sci-tech innovation

China is striving to beef up its innovation capacity in agricultural science and technology to further safeguard food security of the country, according to a five-year development guideline of the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS) released on Wednesday.

Read more ->>

S-Series: Creating a Sustainable Future for Manufacturing

Join the final webinar in the ExportNZ S-Series focusing on the key issues we are seeing within our community. These are, supply chain, skill shortage, and sustainability. 

More information here ->>

Contract Manufacturers

Don’t forget to check out our contract manufacturers directory if you are looking for contract manufacturing support or you are wanting to advertise your services.

More ->>

ManufacturingNZ
Newsletter Archive
Missed an issue of Manufacturing News? Click here to access all previous issues in our Newsletter Archive.