New Zealand is an ideal location for investors looking for a competitive, developed country in which to drive niche production and sales in the Asia Pacific region. Its manufacturing industry has earned a reputation for being flexible, resilient, adaptable and entrepreneurial.

New Zealand’s global advantage is in manufacturing high-value, short-run production cycles. Key areas of strength and opportunity include the aviation, energy, healthcare, marine, security, industrial equipment, and food, beverage and bio-processing technology sectors.

A skilled workforce and innovations in metal, plastics and composites creates an attractive opportunity for investors. New Zealand offers businesses a simple tax structure that supports investment in research and development.

From high-tech manufacturing to healthcare, New Zealand is responsible for some of the world’s most significant breakthroughs. It was New Zealand innovation that led to the splitting of the atom, the joint discovery of the structure of DNA, the invention of the disposable syringe and modern water jet propulsion.
A well-educated, skilled workforce

New Zealand’s knowledge-intensive, high-value manufacturing sector uses the county’s skilled and experienced workforce to transform products and processes. This gives manufacturers a competitive edge.
New Zealand has a small and well-educated population, with one of the highest tertiary qualification rates in the world. Its manufacturing operations are well staffed, and have established a solid history of high-quality production and innovation. Currently, 40 percent of the adult workforce holds tertiary qualifications, compared with the OECD average of 32 percent.

Intelligent design founded on the discipline of customer focus
With a culture of creative self-sufficiency and resilience, the New Zealand workforce is known for original thinking with a fresh perspective that animates research and development processes and leads to the design of clever, pragmatic innovations.

Cost-competitive labour
New Zealand’s skilled labour force is cost competitive by developed country standards.
Engineering employee costs are also lower in New Zealand, making it an attractive place to set up a high-value manufacturing business.

Collaborative research and development environment
Collaboration between research institutes, universities and the private sector is a significant feature of the New Zealand economy, leading to user-focused products and processes. There is a range of research-focused organisations of direct relevance to high-value manufacturing and services. These include Callaghan Innovation, eight universities and seven Crown Research Institutes (CRIs).

Government support for science and innovation
The New Zealand Government actively supports the development and commercialisation of technology and innovation. It also recognises collaborative research as a critical driver for business growth. For example, under the Research and Development Growth Grants scheme, Callaghan Innovation has awarded $32 million over three years to 22 high-tech companies.
-NZTE