Scoop has an Ethical Paywall
Work smarter with a Pro licence Learn More

Video | Agriculture | Confidence | Economy | Energy | Employment | Finance | Media | Property | RBNZ | Science | SOEs | Tax | Technology | Telecoms | Tourism | Transport | Search

 

Manufacturing in NZ - what does the future hold?


A comprehensive report on New Zealand’s manufacturing sector signals some of the strengths and challenges facing the sector at present.

Released at joint event hosted by the EMA and The
Manufacturers Network today, the "Beyond commodities: Manufacturing into the future" report generated by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment is the first report to look at the manufacturing sector as a whole.

"What’s important to note about this report, is that we ignore the manufacturing sector at our peril," says Kim Campbell, CEO, EMA.

"With manufacturing accounting for more than half our export revenue, 42% of New Zealand’s business expenditure on research and development along with employing at least 11% of the workforce or more, it’s a sizeable contributor to key elements of our economy now and in the future.

"The sector is also the engine of growth as these industries create demand for inputs from a range of other innovative and knowledge intensive sectors.
"The fact our economy has moved on from one based on commodities approach to one of value-add and is now a significant employer in the regions shows the importance of manufacturing to the wider New Zealand economy.

"Yet, of concern is investment in productivity, finding enough skilled workers and remaining competitive on the global market. In spite of this, manufacturing wages are 15% higher than New Zealand’s average.

"As manufacturing goes through its next revolution, most developed countries are embracing Industry 4.0 and its enablers such as 3D printing, artificial intelligence and the internet of things. New Zealand needs to be engaged in this process and a new policy platform is a vital next step in this process," says Mr Campbell.
ENDS

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading

Are you getting our free newsletter?

Subscribe to Scoop’s 'The Catch Up' our free weekly newsletter sent to your inbox every Monday with stories from across our network.

© Scoop Media

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading
 
 
 
Business Headlines | Sci-Tech Headlines

 
GenPro: General Practices Begin Issuing Clause 14 Notices

GenPro has been copied into a rising number of Clause 14 notices issued since the NZNO lodged its Primary Practice Pay Equity Claim against General Practice employers in December 2023.More

SPADA: Screen Industry Unites For Streaming Platform Regulation & Intellectual Property Protections

In an unprecedented international collaboration, representatives of screen producing organisations from around the world have released a joint statement.More

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Join Our Free Newsletter

Subscribe to Scoop’s 'The Catch Up' our free weekly newsletter sent to your inbox every Monday with stories from across our network.