More tools in the toolbox for manufacturing
By Chris Penk, Minister for Small Business and Manufacturing Being the Minister responsible for advocating for New Zealand’s magnificent manufacturers comes with the benefit of being welcomed into factories around the country for tours and meetings. From racing car seats and top-grade pharmaceuticals to steel, bread, and plastic containers, there’s […]
New Zealand is poor because it chooses to be
-Sean Doherty Sir Paul Callaghan famously declared: “New Zealand is poor because it chooses to be.” Nearly 15 years on, with the decision to dissolve Callaghan Innovation the agency bearing his name, these words ring truer than ever in 2025. At this turning point, New Zealand must decide: Will we […]
ABB study shows New Zealand industries step up to lead Asia Pacific’s energy transition
Independent study commissioned by ABB reveals that 77% of New Zealand business leaders in key industries are allocating over 10% of their capital expenditure to energy transition initiatives over the next five years. Technological advancement identified as a top driver of the energy transition, with 67% citing it as […]
Using tech to beat the ‘big guys’ in manufacturing
-Dominic Sutton, Stocktrim It’s crazy times for SME’s feeling overshadowed by corporations with deep pockets and established brands. But thanks to new technology, the playing field is finally leveling out. Tools like cloud-based software and smart inventory forecasting help smaller manufacturers run more efficiently, serve customers better, and even outpace […]
How an elite athlete system could unlock new levels of productivity in NZ manufacturing
-Mark Devlin, Impact PR New Zealand’s manufacturers have long punched above their weight. Despite our relatively small domestic market and geographic isolation, Kiwi businesses have found ways to innovate, adapt, and produce world-class products. But there’s one area where we continue to fall behind global benchmarks, and that is workforce […]
Kiwi garage start up one of largest dual market export operations
Set for $115m expansion in China A Kiwi company that began as a West Auckland garage start-up nearly three decades ago has grown into one of NZ’s largest dual-market export operations, and is set for further expansion with the construction of a new $115m biotech manufacturing facility in China underway. […]
Carbon claims: Get the language right and the facts straight
-thinkstep-anz If you’re sharing your organisation’s carbon footprint, net zero goals or carbon neutral status, it’s vital to communicate clearly and accurately. Getting it wrong could damage your reputation, open you up to legal risk or erode trust with your customers and stakeholders. Strong carbon claims can show leadership, but […]
Building the Foundation: Preparing Your Manufacturing Business for AI Success
-Adam Sharman, CEO LMAC Group APAC The manufacturing sector stands at the precipice of an AI revolution that promises to transform everything from production efficiency to supply chain management. Yet for many business leaders, the question isn’t whether to adopt AI, but how to prepare their organisations to extract maximum […]
Leadership From the Top
How Government Must Reflect What It Asks of Business Stop Pointing Fingers, Start Holding Mirrors If you’re a business leader in New Zealand, you’ve likely heard it all before: “Lift your productivity, innovate faster, create higher-wage jobs, be more sustainable, upskill your workforce. David Altena is Head of Growth & […]
Blending artistry with automation for strategic advantage
-Scott Adams, Argon & Co Manufacturing companies in New Zealand are most often owned, managed, and operated by engineers and therefore they often lack artistry, passion, and flair. I readily, and happily, accept there are exceptions to this statement, but for every exception there are 10 more that focus on […]
Adoption of smart practises by manufacturers across New Zealand
New Zealand’s manufacturing sector has stepped firmly into the fourth industrial revolution, with a 10.5 percent increase in the use of advanced manufacturing technologies since 2023, as shown in the final Industry 4.0 Insights Survey by Callaghan Innovation. The Industry 4.0 programme was launched to build awareness and educate New […]
The Canterbury engineering business with trained staff who never want to leave
Training at the heart of exporter’s success story An unwavering commitment to upskilling its people has helped keep tool maker Sutton Tools (NZ) out in front despite a string of setbacks including an earthquake, a pandemic, and in 2022, a fire that gutted their Kaiapoi factory. Now though, the future […]
Engineering the future: What we’re seeing from the front line
By James Richardson, Commercial Manager, Caliber Design At Caliber, we work alongside some of New Zealand’s most innovative engineering businesses. With over 60 mechanical engineers seconded into client teams across the country, we get a front-row seat to the future—watching it take shape in factories, labs, and workshops up and down the country. We see a lot. Some of it makes headlines. Most of it doesn’t. But it’s all part of a bigger story: Kiwi engineering delivering smart, practical solutions to complex problems. Aerospace There’s serious momentum in aerospace. Autonomous systems, propulsion tech, advanced structures—this is no longer niche R&D. It’s a growing sector with commercial focus and technical depth. What we’re seeing is a shift from “can we?” to “how fast can we build it?” Projects are fast-paced and multi-disciplinary, and the bar for design quality is high. It’s a brilliant space for engineers who like a challenge. Energy The energy sector is diversifying quickly. Hydrogen, renewables, and electrification are driving a lot of new activity. But equally important is the work happening to modernise and optimise existing systems. This is where Caliber engineers often slot in—helping deliver upgrades, commission new assets, or unblock critical path items on capital projects. It’s hands-on, collaborative work that has real impact. Materials Materials innovation is accelerating. We’re seeing more advanced composites, more recycled and recyclable options, and clever use of analysis tools to get the most out of every design. But materials are only as good as your ability to design and manufacture with them. That’s why FEA, prototyping, and validation are becoming non-negotiables—especially when time-to-market is tight. Where We Fit Our model is simple. We provide seconded mechanical engineering support—when and where it’s needed. Our engineers embed directly into our clients’ teams, working under their direction to help get projects delivered. […]