Showcasing the marvels of modern manufacturing
By Catherine Lye Head of Advanced Manufacturing and Export Communities EMA Manufacturing in New Zealand is full of clever, practical people solving complex, challenging problems with ingenuity and relentless hard work, making something from nothing and then making it better. There is some really smart stuff being made and we […]
Wellington company showing the way for low carbon
The drive for low carbon has rapidly become a focal point for Aotearoa’s construction sector, where the most forward-thinking and innovative operators are partnering with other experts to decarbonise in ways that also deliver biological, ecological, and social co-benefits. One company showing the way is Wellington-based volumetric offsite manufacturing company […]
World class applies to government too!
From August issue NZ Manufacturer -Ian Walsh, Argon & Co Over the last few years, I have written about the need for business, government, and educational institutions to come together to address NZ’s productivity crisis. Recent actions by government show the extent of the work to be done. Funding has […]
Ways to decarbonise heavy industry
Heavy industry in the world’s most advanced economies can become carbon neutral – if governments implement the right policies in the next five years. Chemical,steel, cement and other heavy industries are critical to everyday things we rely on, like vehicles, buildings and surgical supplies, the IEA explains. But producing these […]
Will digital enablement make our company less human?
-Scott Adams, Argon & Co The answer is a clear “no,” quite the opposite, as it will require clever design, selection, implementation, and maintenance. And if you have done it right it will provide you with more time to do human things like strategy, talking with clients and colleagues, and […]
Maori in Engineering podcasts proving popular
Alyce Lysaght, a graduate water engineer at WSP, produces and hosts Maori in Engineering podcasts, that are proving to be very popular. This is an ideal way to influence and reach community and provide a popular picture of the engineering profession through storytelling. The podcasts can all be viewed on […]
Women founders lay down challenge for New Zealand to do business better
2023 women founder conference, Electrify Aotearoa: Auckland, saw the best and brightest women in business lay down the challenge for New Zealand to do better. The best and brightest women in Aotearoa business want improvements to the business sector and they’re not going to wait around for someone to fix […]
Electrical apprentice challenge back for 2023
With the annual challenge to find New Zealand’s best electrical apprentice back for 2023, the winners of the 2022 challenge have some sage advice for those considering entering, and for the employers of the young sparkies about to be put to the test. Exposure to all the varied elements of […]
The surprising ally shining a light on manufacturing and industrial sector
Naked Creative, a surprising boutique marketing agency based in Invercargill, is making significant waves in the New Zealand marketing scene by successfully partnering with heavy industry companies and supporting their growth and international expansion. In a refreshing departure from the norm, Naked Creative has proven that big hitters in the […]
Have you ignited your Power Rangers?
-Insa Errey, Advisor, NZ Manufacturer www.nzmanufacturer.co.nz How the power of staff engagement leads to energy reduction. While technological advancements and infrastructure improvements play a crucial role in decarbonisation, one often overlooked factor is staff engagement. Employees who are actively engaged in energy-saving initiatives can make a significant impact on energy […]
How to select a standout sustainability team
Dr Barbara Nebel, CEO, thinkstep-anz Keen to make progress on your sustainability programme? Enlist the right team! Our clients – large and small – often ask us whom to shoulder-tap when they set up their in-house sustainability team. Our answer sometimes surprises them. Yes, their team members’ skills and networks […]
Mergers: The way to growth?
-Ian Walsh, Partner, Argon & Co With inflation at a high, the cost of capital has now caused the deferral of many projects, or to make the cost of any investment more palatable, the restructuring of them. In addition, many senior leaders, having navigated COVID and the associated supply chain […]
RegenerationHQ Perspective – Unpacking Productivity in New Zealand
From February issue, NZ Manufacturer – A view by John Luxton Productivity has long been a buzzword in political and economic discussions in New Zealand, often presented as a simple solution to complex problems. However, I am deeply unimpressed with people who rattle off the word “productivity” with no more thought behind what it actually means than “woke”. I believe it’s crucial to understand that productivity encompasses far more than what surface-level conversations suggest. Simplistic, bumper-sticker answers do not suffice when it comes to a topic as nuanced and multifaceted as productivity. Understanding Productivity – Productivity, in essence, is about maximising outputs while minimising inputs. It’s a measure of how efficiently resources like labour, capital, and technology are used to generate goods and services. A look at the world’s most productive countries – Switzerland, Luxembourg, Germany, Singapore, Netherlands, Norway, Denmark, Sweden and Hong Kong reveals a variety of approaches to achieving high productivity levels. The USA is in that mix, but with the size and scale of their economy, there is less for us to learn from their example. Myths and Realities – Common rhetoric blames unproductive workers, excessive taxation, and bureaucratic inefficiencies for low productivity levels. However, a closer look at the top productive countries shows a different story. These nations excel in areas like macroeconomic stability, resource utilisation, open trade, and advanced economic structures. Key Factors Driving Productivity – Several factors are critical to driving productivity in a national economy: Macroeconomic Stability – Low inflation and realistic interest rates create a stable environment for business planning. Natural Resources – Efficiently utilised resources significantly contribute to productivity. Open Trade – Free trade enhances productivity through diverse product/service offerings. Economic Structure – Moving away from agriculture toward a more diverse economy. Access to Capital – Essential for business growth and […]