NZ Honours Manufacturing Leaders Driving Innovation and Economic Growth

Speaking at the awards, Brewer emphasised the critical role manufacturing continues to play in New Zealand’s economic future.

New Zealand's manufacturing sector has taken centre stage at the second annual Minister for Manufacturing Awards, where businesses and individuals were recognised for their contributions to innovation, productivity, resilience, and economic growth across the country.

Minister for Small Business and Manufacturing Cameron Brewer praised this year's finalists and winners, describing them as examples of the leadership and adaptability needed to strengthen New Zealand's manufacturing sector in an increasingly competitive global economy.

Manufacturing Remains Central to New Zealand Economy

Speaking at the awards, Brewer emphasised the critical role manufacturing continues to play in New Zealand's economic future.

"Manufacturing contributes around $22 billion a year to our economy and makes up roughly 60 per cent of our goods exports," the Minister said.

He noted that beyond its direct economic contribution, manufacturing supports regional communities, strengthens national supply chains, and helps transform local innovation into internationally competitive products.

The sector remains one of New Zealand's largest sources of:

• Export earnings

• Skilled employment

• Regional economic activity

• Industrial innovation

• Value-added production

Awards Highlight Innovation and Productivity

The Minister for Manufacturing Awards were established to recognise businesses that are successfully adapting to changing market conditions through innovation, investment, and operational excellence.

According to Brewer, the awards showcase manufacturers that are:

• Investing in workforce development

• Improving operational efficiency

• Adopting advanced technologies

• Strengthening productivity

• Building long-term competitiveness

"The awards recognise what excellence looks like in practice: businesses investing in their people, improving processes, and adopting new technologies to lift productivity and performance," he said.

The Government sees productivity growth as a major priority for improving New Zealand's economic resilience and global competitiveness.

Sector Faces Challenging Global Environment

The Minister acknowledged that manufacturers continue to operate in a difficult international environment marked by:

• Rising operational costs

• Supply chain disruptions

• Inflationary pressures

• Labour shortages

• Global economic uncertainty

Despite these challenges, Brewer said many New Zealand manufacturers are continuing to innovate and expand by focusing on technology adoption, efficiency improvements, and export growth.

"Innovation and strong execution are critical to staying competitive in a challenging global environment," he said.

Industry leaders have increasingly highlighted the importance of advanced manufacturing, automation, digital systems, and sustainability practices in helping firms remain competitive internationally.

Manufacturing Supports Regional Development

Brewer also stressed the importance of manufacturing for regional economies across New Zealand.

Manufacturing businesses play a major role in supporting:

• Provincial employment

• Local supply chains

• Apprenticeships and skills training

• Small business growth

• Export diversification

Many manufacturing operations are located outside major urban centres, making the sector particularly important for regional economic stability and development.

The Government has increasingly focused on supporting regional industries as part of its broader economic growth agenda.

Government Promises Continued Industry Engagement

Since taking over the Small Business and Manufacturing portfolio in April, Brewer said he has visited manufacturing businesses across the country to better understand the challenges and opportunities facing the sector.

He indicated that direct engagement with manufacturers will continue in the coming months, including collaboration with the Manufacturing Productivity Advisory Group (MPAG).

The advisory group works with government and industry stakeholders on improving:

• Productivity

• Skills development

• Innovation adoption

• Investment capability

• Manufacturing competitiveness

Focus on Investment, Skills and Innovation

Brewer said the Government remains committed to supporting manufacturing growth by focusing on the "basics" needed for businesses to expand and compete internationally.

"This Government is committed to backing manufacturing by getting the basics right, supporting investment, skills, innovation and trade, so businesses can build their future and grow, compete and succeed," he said.

Government support for the sector is expected to focus on:

• Workforce skills and training

• Technology adoption

• Trade opportunities

• Business investment

• Productivity improvements

• Innovation capability

Industry groups have repeatedly argued that improving productivity and scaling advanced manufacturing will be essential for New Zealand's long-term economic growth.

Manufacturing Seen as Key to Economic Resilience

The awards come amid broader discussions about strengthening domestic manufacturing capability and reducing vulnerabilities exposed by global supply chain disruptions in recent years.

Economic analysts have increasingly pointed to manufacturing as an important contributor to:

• Economic diversification

• Export resilience

• Supply chain security

• High-value employment

• Innovation-led growth

New Zealand manufacturers are also facing growing pressure to adopt:

• Sustainable production practices

• Digital technologies

• Automation systems

• Energy-efficient processes

to remain competitive in international markets.

Recognition for Industry Leadership

Brewer concluded by congratulating all finalists and winners, saying their achievements reflect the ambition and resilience shaping the future of New Zealand manufacturing.

"Congratulations to all finalists and winners. Your leadership and ambition are helping shape the future of New Zealand manufacturing," he said.

The awards are expected to continue serving as a platform to highlight excellence and encourage innovation across one of New Zealand's most important economic sectors.