The Advanced Manufacturing Industry Transformation Plan (ITP) was released for public consultation in June 2022. It addresses the role of manufacturing in the New Zealand economy regarding jobs and community wealth. Hundred of participants involved themselves with public consultation of the plan, and 60 written submissions identified vital points that communities believed needed to be addressed.
Manufacturing as an industry is vital for creating employment, being the second largest employer for Maori and Pasifika nationwide. The plan is designed to support manufacturers and help them grow their skill sets while encouraging low-carbon, sustainable economic growth.
Brett O’Riley, EMA Chief Executive and Co-Chair of the Advanced Manufacturing ITP Steering Group., stated that increased investment in technology would only positively impact the industry. O’Riley detailed that investing in advanced technology would increase productivity and wages and change the perception of New Zealand's manufacturing, attracting more people to the sector.
The plan aims to be longstanding, accounting for future growth and opportunity. Fellow Co-Chair of the Advanced Manufacturing ITP Steering Group and Vice-President of the New Zealand Council of Trade Unions Te Kauae Kaimahi and Assistant National Secretary of E Tū, Rachel Mackintosh, stated that the goal was to transform the industry.
"We want to transform the industry so that people will choose to work in advanced manufacturing for generations to come. We have the opportunity to harness the creativity of the diverse manufacturing workforce to develop a sustainable industry where people can build their skills and enjoy decent work and decent wages. To do that, we need cooperation across workers, employers, communities, and the government," shared Mackintosh.
The ITP has been officially released at Temperzone, the plan outlining six specific priorities to drive transformation through realistic and measurable implementation throughout one to three years.
Along with the creation of ITP, a new group named Advanced Manufacturing Aotearoa has been formed. The new group intends to drive the ITP and garner support from different regions to ensure changes are being implemented.
The plan aims to make New Zealand a country with an advanced manufacturing sector of world-class creators and innovators, where quality products, environmentally friendly solutions and intergenerational welfare are the focal points.
