I had the opportunity to attend and speak at the Hutt Valley Manufacturing and Innovation Expo, where I saw first-hand the breadth of activity and innovation underway in the region. Following this, visiting EMEX and speaking directly with exhibitors reinforced a clear message: high value added, innovative manufacturing is happening right across the country. Not just in the main centres, but in places like Bluff, Gisborne and everywhere in between.
A particular highlight for me was the second Minister for Manufacturing Awards. It was a great opportunity to celebrate success and recognise the high standards being set across the sector. This year’s finalists and winners showed the innovation and strong execution needed for the sector to stay competitive and grow its $22 billion contribution to the economy. The awards showcased what excellence looks like in practice, with businesses investing in their people, improving processes, and adopting new technologies to lift productivity and performance.
One of the new categories this year, the Manufacturing Lifetime and Legacy Award, recognises sustained leadership and impact. Jeff Douglas of Douglas Pharmaceuticals was a highly deserving recipient. Over three decades, he has led the transformation of the business, choosing to anchor high value research and development and specialised manufacturing in New Zealand rather than following the global trend of offshoring. That kind of long-term commitment is exactly what strengthens our manufacturing base.
For my part, this Government is committed to backing manufacturing by getting the basics right. That means supporting investment, strengthening skills, enabling innovation and improving access to markets so businesses can grow, compete and succeed.
The 2026 Budget, released in late May, delivers a number of measures that will support the sector to remain competitive and resilient in a changing operating environment. These respond directly to issues raised by manufacturers, including through the Manufacturing Productivity Advisory Group.
A key initiative is the new Gas Transition Loan Guarantee Scheme, which will make up to $1.2 billion of bank lending available to help businesses reduce or eliminate their reliance on gas. This is particularly important for commodity and metals processors, where gas is a critical input. As domestic supply tightens, this scheme will support investment in new equipment and processes, enabling a practical transition while maintaining production.
The Budget also recognises that the long-term strength of the sector depends on a skilled and adaptable workforce. We are investing to expand vocational pathways, including increasing trades academy places by 10,000 by 2030 and expanding Youth Guarantee to 5,500 places. Alongside this, new industry-led subjects will be introduced in secondary schools to strengthen pathways into manufacturing and other priority sectors. These initiatives will help build the pipeline of talent the sector needs.
Since taking on the Small Business and Manufacturing portfolio in April, I have visited manufacturers across the country and will continue to engage directly with businesses, both on the factory floor and through the Manufacturing Productivity Advisory Group. I am committed to understanding what is happening on the ground and what is driving change across the sector.
I will continue to be a strong advocate for New Zealand manufacturing and look forward to supporting its continued growth and successes.
