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. The self-isolation trial that by-passes MIQ is a start (details below).  Let’s hope we have some good news next week for Auckland’s alert level status and those vaccination rates continue to improve. If we can help in any way don’t hesitate to get in touch directly or through your regional BusinessNZ network partner (EMA, Business Central, Canterbury Employers' Chamber of Commerce and Business South).

027 463 3212 or cbeard@businessnz.org.nz

New Zealand's manufacturing sector returned to contraction on the back of another nationwide lockdown, according to the latest BNZ - BusinessNZ Performance of Manufacturing Index (PMI).

The seasonally adjusted PMI for August was 40.1 (a PMI reading above 50.0 indicates that manufacturing is generally expanding; below 50.0 that it is declining).  This was 22.1 points lower than July, and similar to the result recorded in May 2020.

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A self-isolation trial –  where business travellers can isolate in approved accommodation for 14 days on their return – gets underway today, Thursday 30 September.

Expressions of Interest are being called for up to 150 people to participate in the trial.

Participants must have a requirement to travel overseas on a short business trip, arriving back in the period from 30 October to 8 December 2021, and will be required to self-isolate in approved accommodation for 14 days on their return. Travellers must be New Zealand citizens or hold a resident visa, vaccinated in New Zealand with the Pfizer vaccine, and travelling for business reasons. They may not travel to or through very high-risk countries.

Employers will need to apply on behalf of their employees and can submit their Expression of Interest from 9am, Thursday 30 September to 5pm, Saturday 9 October.  Applicants will be advised by Friday 15 October if they are in the ballot for selection across the six-week travel window.

More information on the trial can be found here:

New Zealand hosts the APEC CEO Summit once every 21 years. This year, for the first time ever, the Summit will be live in Auckland, on 11 and 12 November, and streamed internationally.

APEC will feature thought-provoking keynotes, CEO panels, and presentations from a number of world leaders, and will canvass the big topics being grappled with by business and governments across our region and the world.

The first speakers announced include: Dr David Suzuki, a gifted interpreter of science and nature who provides a compelling look at the state of our environment; Amber Mac an award-winning podcaster, TV host, bestselling author and internationally-known technology reporter; and one of Asia’s most recognisable entrepreneurs, Tony Fernandes.

Topics will include accelerating economic recovery from COVID; building business as a force for good; digital transformation; sustainability; and renewable energy.

You can register your interest in attending the summit at https://apec2021nz.org/ceo-summit

Callaghan are conducting  a survey for the Industry 4.0 Demonstration Network. The intention of this 4-min survey is to help shape where the programme can better target its future of Industry 4.0 support. This follows on from an earlier report that one of the programme partners conducted last year - found here.

• The Industry 4.0 Demonstration Network (www.industry4.govt.nz) has been operating for over a year and we want to better understand industry views to help us tailor the Industry 4.0 demonstration network experience.
• The  survey should take approximately 4 minutes to complete.  This is the time it takes to have your cup of coffee!
• By completing the survey, you will go into the draw to win one of two $50 Prezzy Cards!
• Responses and information are securely collected and kept confidential by the three parties named and no identifiable information will be shared or sold.

To participate in this survey click on this link: https://www.research.net/r/I4netowrksurvey

A new report on the approach German companies are taking to diversifying supply sources, prepared by the New Zealand Embassy in Berlin has been published.

It includes:

• Details from a survey of 5000 German manufacturers on their approach to supply sources
• Implications for New Zealand suppliers.

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You can view all reports from Europe here.

In the UK a new Plastic Packaging Tax will take effect from 1 April 2022 and will encourage the use of recycled rather than new plastic within plastic packaging. This will in turn stimulate increased levels of recycling and collection of plastic waste, diverting it away from landfill or incineration. Packaging should only contain recycled content where it is permitted to do so under other regulations, such as those covering food safety.

This will potentially be a growing global trend and you can read the UK Gov guidance to 'Get your business ready for the Plastic Packaging Tax' here ->>

The Hanga-Aro-Rau Workforce Development Council (WDC) today announced the appointment of Phil Alexander-Crawford (Ngāti Hine, Ngāti Rēhia, Ngāpuhi) as Chief Executive. The appointment is a significant milestone in the establishment of the Workforce Development Council, which will give manufacturing, engineering and logistics industries greater leadership in the vocational education system.

Phil is a highly experienced leader of transformation, who has worked with and for iwi and hapū. Phil is currently Director of Te Pae Tawhiti – Māori Equity Partnership at Te Pūkenga. He has held senior leadership positions in the vocational education sector, including Chief Executive of Te Matarau Education Trust, General Manager Education for the Ngātiwai Trust Board and as Director of Development for Tai Tokerau Wānanga (NorthTec).

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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.

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