A post earthquake survey conducted by the New Zealand Manufacturers and Exporters Association (NZMEA) shows that most manufacturers are filling their orders.

The survey, conducted between the 30th of March and the 8th of April, also found that Canterbury manufacturers were generally pleased with the response of Civil Defence and the Christchurch City Council.

NZMEA Chief Executive John Walley says, “It was quickly recognised that customers would not wait, and getting going fast was the only way to get to the other side of this event with a business still intact.Ê It really was a case of be quick or fail.”

“The extraordinary efforts to restore production capacity are evident from a superficial look around those manufacturing sites hardest hit. There are extensive building repairs, temporary structures and machines operating in significantly less space. The overwhelming message has been that the commitment and resilience of staff and owners has made for a fast recovery.”

“On the performance of the City Council and Civil Defence respondents were positive overall, but it is worth noting that anyone with a business inside the cordon was and is extremely frustrated. Procedures to gain access through the cordon could have been managed better.”

“Responses to the performance of insurance companies were not as positive with some firms reporting what they were experiencing slow decisions. That said, overall responses were positive.”

“Areas where manufacturers recognised a need for further work were communication, regulation and staff shortages. The communication problems that have hurt firms inside the cordon must not continue into the rebuilding process and regulations must allow firms to rebuild with a minimum of red tape. In some cases firms have had skilled staff move away; if replacement staff need work permits these need to be issued quickly.”