The Manufacturing Productivity Advisory Group (MPAG) has become one of the most important voices for New Zealand manufacturing.
As a relatively new Minister, I have quickly learned that having direct access to the experience, insight, and straight-talking advice of manufacturers is invaluable. I am grateful to my predecessors, Andrew Bayly and Chris Penk, for establishing and supporting a group that is helping shape both Government policy and the future direction of New Zealand manufacturing.
I wanted to use this column to shine a spotlight on MPAG because while Ministers come and go, industry leadership remains critical to the long-term success of New Zealand manufacturing. Strong industry leadership matters, and MPAG has emerged as an important voice for the sector.
Manufacturing is one of New Zealand's economic success stories. It supports communities throughout the country and creates high-value jobs, investment, and innovation. Yet the challenges facing manufacturers are becoming increasingly complex. It is more important than ever that Government understands what is happening on the factory floor.
That is where MPAG has made a real difference.
I have found the group to be an invaluable source of advice, helping Government better understand the impacts of global events, including disruption arising from conflict in the Middle East, and the implications for supply chains, input costs, energy security, exports, and business confidence.
Importantly, MPAG does not simply identify challenges. It helps shape practical solutions.
The group has provided valuable input on issues including investment, innovation, skills and energy resilience, ensuring policy is informed by real-world manufacturing experience. That includes advocating for conditions that support business investment, encouraging initiatives such as Investment Boost, which helps manufacturers invest in new equipment, facilities and technology to lift productivity and growth.
Another example is workforce development. Recently I announced the expansion of the Earn as You Learn pilot into the Hutt Valley, Auckland, and Bay of Plenty. Manufacturers have consistently highlighted the need for stronger vocational pathways and more practical opportunities for young people to enter manufacturing careers. MPAG has been a strong advocate for building a sustainable talent pipeline and improving perceptions of manufacturing as a rewarding, technology-enabled career.
The group has also been a leading voice for helping manufacturers adopt new technologies to improve productivity and competitiveness. MPAG advocated for Digital Manufacturing Light, recognising that many small and medium-sized manufacturers want practical support to identify opportunities for automation, digitalisation, and Industry 4.0 adoption. Earlier this year, the Government responded by expanding the programme, helping more manufacturers access expert advice and take the first steps on their digital transformation journey.
MPAG's greatest achievement, however, has been bringing the sector together around a shared vision for the future.
The Group recently provided me with its 10-Year Manufacturing Strategy, setting out a vision for New Zealand to become "the world's most agile advanced manufacturing nation". Developed by manufacturers for manufacturers, the strategy is built around four pillars: improving perceptions of manufacturing, building a world-class talent pipeline, accelerating innovation, and unlocking investment and growth.
What impresses me most is that the strategy is not simply a wish list. It reflects a sector taking ownership of its future and provides Government with a clear understanding of where industry believes effort should be focused. Whether it is skills, innovation, access to capital or energy resilience, MPAG has shown strong leadership on the issues that will shape the future competitiveness of New Zealand manufacturing.
I want to thank every MPAG member for the time, expertise, and commitment they contribute. Their advice helps ensure Government decisions are informed by real-world experience, and their leadership is helping build a more productive, innovative, and internationally competitive manufacturing sector.
Three years on, MPAG’s value is clear. It has become an influential voice for the sector, a trusted adviser to Government, and a catalyst for the long-term thinking New Zealand manufacturing needs to succeed.
