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.  We also know that the different Covid levels between Auckland and the rest of New Zealand are disrupting supply chains right through the country.

We continue to talk to officials alongside the other members of the BusinessNZ Network (EMA, Business Central, Canterbury Employers Chamber of Commerce and Business South) and it has been good to see a lot of manufacturers joining zoom calls hosted by MBIE and MFAT to share your concerns. 

We hope there will be more clarity soon as was promised at this week’s meeting.  When we do get more clarity we will let you know.  

027 463 3212 or cbeard@businessnz.org.nz

Expansion in New Zealand's manufacturing sector lifted again in July to record its second highest result, according to the latest BNZ - BusinessNZ Performance of Manufacturing Index (PMI).

The seasonally adjusted PMI for July was 62.6 (a PMI reading above 50.0 indicates that manufacturing is generally expanding; below 50.0 that it is declining).  This was 1.7 points higher than June, and only below the 63.6 recorded in March over the history of the survey.

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The EBOSS 2021 Construction Supply Chain Report gives fresh insights into the challenges the New Zealand construction industry is currently facing – with freight, price hikes and staff shortages shared concerns across the board.

The Report, released yesterday to over 900 industry professionals, surveyed 240 suppliers across major product categories for residential and commercial construction on logistics, price impacts, the sustainability of New Zealand’s supply chain, operating in a global market, and staffing.

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Read the full report here ->>

Businesses, organisations and self-employed people affected by the recent increase to Alert Level 4 can now apply online for the COVID-19 Resurgence Support Payment (RSP).

The RSP is intended to help businesses with costs like rent or fixed costs during higher alert levels.  To qualify for the RSP, applicants must experience at least a 30 percent decline in revenue over seven days as a result of the increase in Alert Levels, as well as other eligibility criteria.

The one-off payment is available to any business in New Zealand that meets the criteria. Businesses can apply for the RSP at the same time as the Wage Subsidy Scheme.

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The Government is restarting childcare for workers in Alert Level 4 businesses and services, which was available during last year’s national lockdown, Education Minister Chris Hipkins said today.

Workers who have children aged up to 13-years-old can access free care, so they are able to continue to provide the essential services we need during the current lockdown.

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Movement between alert level boundaries will be restricted. There will be Police check points to stop unnecessary travel. New Zealanders should continue to ensure their movement is for essential purposes only. An Alert Level Boundary separates areas of New Zealand that are at different Alert Levels. Businesses need to provide their staff with proof of eligibility to travel across an Alert Level Boundary, such as the documentation generated by MBIE’s Business Travel Register.

Here is information on the process of applying for your Business Travel Documents.

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Level 4 lockdown means that many New Zealanders are being forced to work and live at home 24/7 with an abusive partner, family member, or flatmate – with very few options to get away or get help.

While additional stress created by the impact of lockdown on jobs, finances, unwell or elderly family members, and childcare does not cause domestic violence, these factors may heighten the risk of physical abuse and more serious violence.

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Allbirds is set to follow Rocket Lab and become the second company founded by a Kiwi to line up a multibillion-dollar Nasdaq listing this year.

The maker of environmentally friendly footwear and activewear, made from New Zealand merino wool and various recycled materials, was founded in 2006 by ex-All Whites captain and Wellington Phoenix player Tim Brown and Joey Zwillinger - a renewables engineer who Brown met in San Francisco, where the company is now based.

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At the height of Covid-19’s 2020 global impact job losses were rife within New Zealand’s forestry and
wood industry.

Now the sector is faced with lack of skilled workers and an ageing workforce.

The dilemma has prompted the Central North Island Wood Council to launch a unique course in Tokoroa offering young people guaranteed employment and an insight into more than 40 jobs across the sector.

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Anyone interested in the aerospace industry or manufacturing partnerships in India might be interested in this virtual event in India.

Link through to the programme here

Register here ->>

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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