New data showing New Zealand manufacturing has experienced its highest level of activity since December 2021 signals a strong start to the year.
The latest BNZ – BusinessNZ Performance of Manufacturing Index (PMI) showed the seasonally adjusted PMI for December rose by 4.4 points from November, to 56.1.
“This is an incredibly positive signal, as a PMI reading above 50.0 indicates the manufacturing industry is generally expanding. The data suggests New Zealand manufacturing growth is outperforming major economies, including the United States, China, Japan, the United Kingdom, and Australia,” said Small Business and Manufacturing Minister Chris Penk.
“The success of manufacturing is central to the health of the New Zealand economy. The sector directly employs more than 220,000 people, contributes around eight percent of GDP and accounts for 60 percent of our exports.”
Penk added that some manufacturers felt the pinch of harder months last year and that this great news, coupled with a 1.1 percent uptick for national GDP in the September quarter, indicates a brighter future for businesses.
The Government is focused on setting the right conditions and fixing the basics to enable businesses to thrive. Manufacturers are turning that certainty into growth through hard work and innovation.
The creativity and resilience of the sector, and its contribution to national prosperity, deserve to be celebrated.
Penk also announced the second annual Minister for Manufacturing Awards will be held at Auckland Showgrounds on the 27th of May. This year’s awards will again recognise the Manufacturer of the Year, Manufacturing Leader of the Year, Apprentice of the Year and Excellence in Process Innovation. It will also introduce three new categories.
This includes a dedicated Manufacturer of the Year award for businesses with fewer than 50 Full Time Equivalent Employees (FTEs). With around 97 percent of manufacturers falling into this group, opening a new category ensures small businesses receive the recognition they deserve.
An Emerging Manufacturer Leader of the Year award is also being added to shine a spotlight on the next generation of innovators and trailblazers, alongside a Manufacturing Lifetime & Legacy Award to honour those who have shaped the sector into what it is today.
Entries for the 2026 awards open on the 23rd of February and run until the 31st of March, and are encouraged to join in celebrating their successes by submitting.
