News & Insights

Manufacturing Takes Centre Stage at Careers Expo

$1.4M Boost to Help Manufacturers Go Digital

Congratulations to the 2026 Finalists!

Finalists have been announced for the Minister for Manufacturing Awards, recognising excellence, innovation, and leadership across the manufacturing sector.

Showcasing the Strength of New Zealand Manufacturing

The Advancing Manufacturing Aotearoa (AMA) Showcase at EMEX 2026 highlights the strength, ingenuity, and future of New Zealand manufacturing, featuring hands‑on innovation, world‑leading engineering, and iconic Kiwi technology from leading manufacturers.

BNZ Performance of Manufacturing Index - March 2026

New Zealand manufacturing continued to expand in March, with the PMI at 53.2, but rising global uncertainty weighed on business confidence despite solid new orders.

Meet the Judges behind the Minister for Manufacturing Awards 2026

Seven award categories. Proven leaders. Real world manufacturing insight. A snapshot of our manufacturing leaders on the judging panels.

NZAero: Building Aircraft, Building Futures

As New Zealand’s only certified aircraft manufacturer, NZAero is shaping the future of aerospace through world‑class engineering, hands‑on aircraft apprenticeships, and advanced manufacturing in Hamilton. With a commitment to innovation, safety, and regional talent development, NZAero is building aircraft that serve global missions—while building futures for the next generation of aerospace professionals.

Why Collaboration Is New Zealand’s Manufacturing Advantage

Collaboration is emerging as New Zealand’s core manufacturing advantage, powered by strong regional networks, industry‑government partnerships, and ecosystem‑wide initiatives like Advancing Manufacturing Aotearoa and The Future Makers. By working together, manufacturers accelerate innovation, share capability, strengthen resilience, and unlock opportunities that individual firms cannot achieve alone—positioning Aotearoa for a more connected and competitive manufacturing future.

Argus ManuTech: Engineering the Complex. Scaling the Possible.

Argus ManuTech is a Christchurch-based leader in advanced manufacturing, delivering high‑precision solutions for medtech, aerospace, and complex industrial applications. Combining Industry 4.0 capability with deep engineering expertise, the company enables global innovators to scale reliably and confidently. This profile highlights how Argus ManuTech engineers the complex—and makes the impossible possible.

Dawn Aerospace: Building the Road to Space

Dawn Aerospace is redefining New Zealand’s space industry through reusable spaceplanes, green satellite propulsion systems, and world‑leading aerospace manufacturing. With a mission to build the road to space, Dawn is pioneering sustainable access to orbit and creating high‑value aerospace career opportunities across Aotearoa.

BNZ Performance of Manufacturing Index - February 2026

New Zealand’s manufacturing sector held steady in February, with the PMI at 55.0 signalling solid growth. Strong new orders and production point to firming demand, but rising energy costs and escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East are increasing uncertainty at a time when domestic activity remains fragile and inflation stays above 3%.

From Manufacturing Strategy to Action

The MPAG meeting on 25 February 2026 brought together sector leaders, government representatives, and industry partners for an afternoon of valuable insight and strategic alignment. With updates on the manufacturing landscape, rapid‑fire initiative briefings, and presentations from industry innovators, the event highlighted strong momentum across the ecosystem and concluded with productive networking hosted by Fisher & Paykel Healthcare.