Little in Budget for manufacturing, but sector’s hope persists
NZ manufacturing needs urgent help to get digitalised – and is hoping this and other consideration will emerge in Govt’s economic growth plan, out soon.
NZ manufacturing has one of the lowest robot-to-worker ratios in the developed world.
What’s at stake: There was little in Budget 2024 for the manufacturing sector, which needs substantial support to automate and improve its productivity to compete with more advanced countries.
Background: New Zealand’s manufacturing sector includes some very advanced manufacturers, but its majority of small and medium-sized businesses are about 10 years behind European and Asian manufacturers.
Main players: Small Business and Manufacturing Minister Andrew Bayly, Advanced Manufacturing Aotearoa CEO Catherine Lye, EMA head Brett O'Riley, Westpac industry economist Paul Clark, Mulcahy Engineering MD Kayne Mulcahy, Graeme Evans, Epicor ANZ VP.
There was nothing much in the recent Budget for the manufacturing sector – a sector dogged by the inability to afford next-gen automation and become more productive – but commentators and advocates remain hopeful that something more substantial will be coming from the Government in the next six
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What’s at stake: There was little in Budget 2024 for the manufacturing sector, which needs substantial support to automate and improve its productivity to compete with more advanced countries.
Background: New Zealand’s manufacturing sector includes some very advanced manufacturers, but its majority of small and medium-sized businesses are about 10 years behind European and Asian manufacturers.
Main players: Small Business and Manufacturing Minister Andrew Bayly, Advanced Manufacturing Aotearoa CEO Catherine Lye, EMA head Brett O'Riley, Westpac industry economist Paul Clark, Mulcahy Engineering MD Kayne Mulcahy, Graeme Evans, Epicor ANZ VP.