Steel awards showcase local industry’s strength and innovation
Steel Construction New Zealand (SCNZ) is pleased to announce the results of 2023’s SCNZ Excellence in Steel Awards. The winners were announced on 27 October in Queenstown, where more than 200 structural steel industry leaders and specialists gathered to celebrate the best of the best at an event that showcases […]
Measuring and reporting your environmental performance – with Stride Property and ESP
Webinar 1:30pm, Tuesday 21 November, 30 minutes Learn how Stride Property is using ESP’s BraveGen software to track and report its carbon emissions and sustainability targets. Stride Property’s Sharyn Bramwell-Reweti, Safety and Sustainability Manager and ESP’s Dan Tomlinson, Head of Markets and Partnerships, joins thinkstep-anz CEO Barbara Nebel. https://www.thinkstep-anz.com/resrc/upcoming-events/stride-property-and-esp/
World’s largest science park owner to explore opportunities within NZ
The development of a new technology park here, similar to the Cambridge University facility, could represent a significant opportunity for the expansion of New Zealand’s science and tech sectors. The arrival of the world’s largest technology park developer to explore opportunities within NZ is set to boost the country’s scientific […]
RS launches NZ warehouse
Launched in November, RS will stock 500+ products in their new Auckland warehouse for next-day delivery across New Zealand. RS have further committed to the New Zealand market, leveraging the Group’s logistic partnerships with the opening of a state-of-the-art warehouse facility in Auckland. This commitment will ensure that customers can […]
Q & A:Sean Doherty Advanced Manufacturing,Callaghan Innovation
How can Advanced Manufacturing take NZ forward? Advanced manufacturing involves the use of technology to supercharge the manufacturing sector. Already an incredibly pivotal part of our nation’s economy and operations, there is real value to be found in unlocking the full potential of our manufacturers. The implementation of smart […]
What is prompt engineering?
Let’s say you’re making spaghetti marinara for dinner. Sauce from a jar is perfectly fine. But what if you buy your tomatoes and basil from the farmers market to make your own sauce? Chances are it will taste a lot better. And what if you grow your own ingredients from your […]
Helping Proline Steel gain new sustainability certification
www.thinkstep-anz.com The challenge Proline Steel was seeking to become one of the first businesses to be certified by the Australian Steel Institute (ASI)’s new Steel Sustainability Australia program (SSA). They approached the thinkstep-anz team knowing that they had helped ASI develop the new program. About SSA certification SSA certification independently […]
The time has come
A few years ago, Winston Peters was talking of the country’s need for a Minister of Racing and I was talking of the country’s need for a Minister of Manufacturing. I wrote about it, received feedback and, guess what?, that ministry has still not happened and is still a no-brainer! […]
Dsifer releasing the New Zealand Manufacturing Industry Data and AI Survey
This survey aims to build industry understanding of the way in which data analytics and AI is being considered and implemented across the manufacturing sector in New Zealand for the purposes of informing organisations on how their peers are approaching these tools, informing support organisations on where opportunities exist and […]
Tanaka develops first high-entropy alloy powder of only precious metals
Enabling proposals tailored to customer needs through the establishment of five or more different precious metal alloy powder production methods TANAKA which develops industrial precious metals products as one of the core companies of TANAKA Precious Metals, has succeeded in creating a high-entropy alloy powder composed of precious metals with […]
Serious about reducing your carbon footprint? (Part two)
From NZ Manufacturer, October 2023. This month we get to the ‘pointy end’ of things. Using the concepts she explained in last month’s article, Nicky Andrews, Head of Carbon at thinkstep-anz, explains how to measure and reduce your carbon. But first, a recap. Where we left off: identifying the main […]
Plan for investing in STEM “long overdue”
Engineering New Zealand President Glen Cornelius says a “serious conversation and commitment with Government” about the country’s approach to developing skills in science, technology, education and maths (STEM) is “long overdue”. Cornelius was responding to recent proposals from Massey University to cease delivering its four-year Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) and […]
“Unlocking Potential: The Role of Digital Skills Training in New Zealand’s Manufacturing Industry”
From March issue, NZ Manufacturer www.nzmanufacturer.co.nz -David O’Connor, Commercial Manager, The Learning Wave In the rapidly evolving landscape of global industry, the New Zealand manufacturing sector finds itself at a crucial juncture. As technological advancements redefine traditional paradigms, embracing digital transformation – and upskilling the digital capability of the workforce – becomes not merely a choice but an essential strategy for survival and growth. There has been much written about the significant need for our New Zealand businesses to prioritise investment in digital technologies. This investment isn’t just about staying afloat; it’s about thriving in an increasingly competitive landscape, and we totally agree that this ongoing investment is vital. Yet, while investing in cutting-edge hardware and software is crucial, it’s only part of the equation. At the core of this transformation lies the workforce – their ability to effectively utilise digital tools will define the sector’s competitiveness and resilience moving forward. Currently, the New Zealand manufacturing sector is grappling with a significant skills gap in digital capabilities. Our clients continue to affirm this and as more technology is introduced to their business, they are quickly identifying a broader range of workers who lack the digital mindset and digital skills required to operate advanced machinery, analyse data, or collaborate in digital environments. What is even more surprising is that according to KPMG’s 2023 CEO Outlook report, this gap impedes digital transformation for 78% of Kiwi CEOs, yet less than half are addressing it. We are seeing a growing interest from manufacturers for training programmes that focus on digital upskilling, and a focus on planning for skills training of their workforce alongside their technology investments. While many of our clients have already identified key work groups that need training, we are hearing from the sector that many are still unsure of where […]