Analysis

Backing Capability: Lessons from Fi Innovations and the Future of NZ Manufacturing

From February issue, NZ Manufacturer magazine New Zealand’s manufacturing sector has always relied on one core strength: capability. Not scale or low-cost production, but the practical skill, judgement, and adaptability of the people who make things here. In a recent podcast, Caliber founder Jonathan Prince spoke with Gareth Dykes and Derek Manson from Fi innovations about how that capability is built over time. Their story is a reminder that sustained engineering know-how, not quick wins, is what underpins resilient manufacturing in New Zealand. Fi Innovations is a Southland business with deep roots. What began as a specialist plaster and fibreglass shop has expanded into composites, industrial flooring, moulding, and now advanced additive manufacturing. They have diversified far beyond their original customer base and invested early in technologies that many companies were still evaluating. Their journey illustrates what it takes for a regional manufacturer to build resilience and stay relevant in a changing industry. One of the strongest themes in the discussion was the role of persistence. Fi Innovations focused on building long-term relationships by showing up, solving real problems, and delivering consistently. Some of their most significant customer partnerships began with small, speculative jobs. Steady effort turned these into ongoing programmes of work. This is a familiar pattern across much of New Zealand industry where trust, reliability, and follow-through often matter more than formal processes. Another theme is the value of people. Gareth and Derek were clear that the strength of their business lies in the capability of their team. Their growth into new materials and technologies was made possible by people who were willing to learn, experiment, and solve problems in practical ways. This emphasis on people aligns with what many manufacturers know: technology investment only works when capability grows alongside it. “We’re not here to make CAD models. […]

Before the robots arrive: How Formthotics prepared its staff for the changes ahead

From February issue, NZ Manufacturer magazine Adam Harvey, Business Performance Partner – Manufacturing, The Learning Wave Running a manufacturing business right now can feel like standing on a moving walkway. If you don’t step forward, you fall behind. Customers want more for less, and Boards are pushing for efficiency, growth, and operational certainty. Automation and digital tools promise speed and scale, and on paper, the investment stacks up. But then you look across the floor, and the harder question sets in: “Are our people actually ready for this yet?” That was the question facing Formthotics when they first reached out in early 2025. An established manufacturer of custom orthotics, Formthotics was investing heavily in its future. New machinery, its first robot nearing commissioning, new digital tools queued for rollout, a refreshed brand and ambitious growth targets. The strategy was clear, and the investment significant. But the leadership team, led by Shane Heenan, alongside Amanda Gault and Carolina Santos, could also see the risk. “We knew the processes which had gotten us this far simply wouldn’t scale ahead for growth. A SIRI assessment confirmed it; paper-based processes and limited experience with digital tools.” shared Shane. They had seen similar stories play out elsewhere. Formthotics had watched the Argus journey closely. They saw what was possible when leaders recognised a simple truth: technology doesn’t run a factory, people do. So they made a deliberate choice. Before pushing harder on lean, digital, and automation, they chose to prepare their people. Choosing readiness over speed Rather than waiting for resistance to show up later, Formthotics invested early in building the mindset, confidence and communication skills of its 17 factory and supply chain operators. That decision led to Owning My Future, a learning journey designed to build the foundations the business knew it would need […]

Importing gas locks NZ into fossil fuels for longer – just as clean energy surges

Jen Purdie,Senior Research Fellow, Centre for Sustainability, University of Otago The government’s announcement that it would move ahead with plans for a new facility to import liquefied natural gas (LNG), potentially as early as next year, was framed as a way to shore up energy security. But the decision instead marks another major step backwards for domestic efforts to decarbonise. Notably, it comes as communities across the North Island – including Mount Maunganui – are recovering from just the kind of extreme weather events climate change is projected to intensify. With the United States now withdrawing from the Paris climate agreement, and New Zealand simultaneously weakening its own climate settings, it is easy to feel a sense of drift. Despite 89% of people globally wanting stronger climate action, the erosion of the international rules-based order risks pulling more countries away from cooperative solutions. But the energy transition now has real momentum. So how much difference does the US withdrawal from Paris – and New Zealand’s turn back towards fossil fuels – actually make? A setback, not a stop Before the US withdrew, 93% of global emissions came from countries with net-zero policies in place; that figure has now fallen to 83%. The drop would have been larger if not for pledges by 24 US states, along with many cities and corporations, to stick to Paris Agreement targets. So, while the US exit might be a massive blow, it is far from the end of global climate action. Current Paris Agreement pledges and targets would see global emissions peak in the next few years, if countries follow through. Many states – including the US, United Kingdom, China, Australia and Canada – are already recording declines. New Zealand’s emissions have flatlined since 2008 but it is still doing less than its fair share on a per-capita basis. Globally, the race is now on between avoiding dangerous climate tipping […]

2026 off to a strong start for manufacturers

From February issue of NZ Manufacturer magazine By Hon Chris Penk, Minister for Small Business and Manufacturing As I kick off my first manufacturing column of 2026, I want to pass on my best wishes to manufacturers across the country as you return from a well earned summer break. I know many of you will already be back into the swing of things, but I hope the warmer weather is still bringing some enjoyment outside of busy working hours. I am genuinely delighted to see large parts of our manufacturing sector entering the new year with real momentum, supported by the strongest activity levels recorded since 2021. The latest BNZ BusinessNZ Performance of Manufacturing Index shows December 2025 activity rising 4.4 points from the previous month to 56.1. This is a very encouraging signal. New Zealand’s PMI has now shown expansion for six consecutive months and in December it outperformed manufacturing activity in the United States, China, Japan, the United Kingdom and Australia. For an economy of our size, that is a result worthy of recognition. Businesses also reported improved confidence, stronger export and forward orders, and benefits flowing through from increased infrastructure activity. This strong start echoes many of the themes that defined 2025. Manufacturers faced sustained cost pressures throughout the year, yet continued to adapt, innovate and deliver solid export performance. Food and beverage producers, advanced manufacturers and precision engineering firms all showed resilience in the face of challenging conditions. While 2025 was about regaining stability, early indicators suggest 2026 has the potential to deliver stronger forward momentum. Across the wider economy, several trends are beginning to move in a positive direction. GDP rose 1.1 percent in the September 2025 quarter, supported by a 2.2 percent increase in manufacturing and reinforcing how important the sector is to New […]

XPO Exhibitions to launch new trade fair

From February issue of NZ Manufacturer magazine XPO Exhibitions is partnering with Hannover Fairs Australia to launch Logistics Automation New Zealand, powered by CeMAT. This will be held from 10-11 November at the Auckland Showgrounds. The trade fair will bring together world-leading logistics, automation, robotics, intralogistics, warehousing, and supply chain management solutions under one roof. A new era for logistics innovation in New Zealand XPO’s Managing Director Brent Spillane says that with the rapid growth of high-tech logistics and automation, the time is right to give the sector its own dedicated platform. “We are seeing a transformational technology expansion and growth of products delivering Robotics, Automation, Intralogistics, Warehousing, Supply Chain Management and Materials Handling. This cutting-edge technology is changing rapidly, yet it’s becoming more accessible and affordable for industry to bolt-on products and enjoy instant gains in productivity.” CeMAT is a world-renowned leader of exhibitions in this space, with deep relationships across the biggest brands whose R&D is redefining logistics automation across the globe. As Mike Nissen Commercial Director of Hannover Fairs Australia explains “This Joint Venture partnership, introduces new international brands into New Zealand. Brands that loyally participate across CeMAT exhibitions in Germany, North America, Australia and Asia Pacific. “That international participation creates buzz and more value for domestic exhibiting brands – something we are evidencing in other markets we are entering.” XPO have traditionally served the Materials Handling & Logistics NZ sector most notably alongside Foodtech Packtech, and while that industry (food manufacturing) have been early adopters, XPO’s Managing Director Brent Spillane says the time has come to broaden the scope to all industries where automation can play a pivotal role in streamlining processes, driving efficiencies, and improving health and safety practices. He adds, “Logistics Automation New Zealand, powered by CeMAT brings together a far wider attendance of […]

New Zealand Productivity Organisation wants to hear from you

www.nzproductivityorganisation.co.nz www.nzmanufacturer.co.nz/nzproductivityorganisation The New Zealand Productivity Organisation (NZPO) invites all businesses throughout the country to share their views on Productivity and how they are finding current business conditions. Your company may be doing well or not quite reaching the mark you are aiming for. The economy in 2026 seems to be picking up and the better than expected PMI figures are welcome and a sign of better things around the corner. For each company it will be different, the level of Productivity. Share with us how the tools and methods you are using, the technology and expert advice, showing the way to a better future and just how you are planning ahead. Your story can appear jn the NZ Manufacturer magazine or on the media platform. Please visit NZPO at the above address.

The Learning Wave Free 90-minute taster: Accelerate team cohesion and performance in times of change

What happens when frontline teams are truly connected to each other and the business? You see fewer handovers going wrong, safer decisions on the floor, better problem-solving, issues owned and closed out properly, and people who actually speak up when something’s not right. This complimentary 90-minute taster gives manufacturing leaders a practical look at how that connection is built. Not through posters, slogans, or another toolbox talk, but through deliberate capability building where the work actually happens. In this session, we unpack what “connection” really means in an operational environment. You’ll see how trust, communication, confidence, and shared ownership show up in everyday behaviours that directly impact safety, quality, downtime, and productivity. We’ll share real examples of how frontline teams move from just turning up and completing tasks to thinking, contributing, and taking responsibility for outcomes. This is not theory and it’s not leadership jargon. It’s grounded in real manufacturing sites, real people, and real constraints like shift patterns, production pressure, and literacy challenges. If you’re an operational leader grappling with engagement, ownership, or change fatigue on the floor, this session will give you practical insight into what actually works, why it works, and how learning becomes the engine for performance, not a distraction from it. What you’ll experience in 90 Minutes: Across the 90 minutes, you’ll experience practical frameworks we use to accelerate team performance. You’ll explore a simple roadmap to identify where your team is at today and what it takes to move them forward, uncover how individual strengths build trust on the floor, and learn a clear, practical model for strengthening trust, accountability, and psychological safety. No cost. No fluff. Just insight that translates to performance. Click here to secure your spot: https://thelearningwave.com/free-taster-session-connecting-together-24th-feb-2026/ DATE: Tuesday 24th February, 2pm – 4pm VENUE: Level 3, 9 Hargreaves Street, Freeman’s […]

Manufacturing starts year by shifting up a gear

Hon Chris Penk New data showing New Zealand manufacturing is experiencing its highest level of activity since December 2021 signals a strong start to the year, Small Business and Manufacturing Minister Chris Penk says. The latest BNZ – BusinessNZ Performance of Manufacturing Index (PMI) shows the seasonally adjusted PMI for December has risen by 4.4 points compared to November, bringing it to 56.1. “This is an incredibly positive signal, as a PMI reading above 50.0 indicates the manufacturing industry is generally expanding. The data suggests New Zealand manufacturing growth is outperforming major economies including the United States, China, Japan, the United Kingdom, and Australia,” Mr Penk says. “The success of manufacturing is central to the health of the New Zealand economy. The sector directly employs more than 220,000 people, contributes around eight percent of GDP and accounts for 60 percent of our exports. “We know some manufacturers felt the pinch of harder months last year. Today’s great news coupled with a 1.1 percent uptick for national GDP in the September quarter indicates a brighter future for businesses. “The Government is focused on setting the right conditions and fixing the basics so that businesses can thrive. Manufacturers are turning that certainty into growth through hard work and innovation. “The creativity and resilience of the sector, and its contribution to national prosperity deserve to be celebrated. It’s therefore my pleasure to announce the second annual Minister for Manufacturing Awards will be held at Auckland Showgrounds on 27 May. “This year’s awards will again recognise the Manufacturer of the Year, Manufacturing Leader of the Year, Apprentice of the Year and Excellence in Process Innovation. It will also introduce three new categories. “This includes a dedicated Manufacturer of the Year award for businesses with fewer than 50 Full Time Equivalent Employees (FTEs). With around 97 percent of manufacturers falling into this group, opening a new category ensures small businesses receive the recognition they deserve. “An Emerging Manufacturer Leader of the Year award is also being added to shine a spotlight on the next generation of innovators and trailblazers, alongside a Manufacturing Lifetime & Legacy Award to honour those who have […]

How CTEM, AI, and access control redefine OT security in 2026

By Carlos Buenano, Field CTO for OT, Armis As we step into 2026, AI-driven adversaries, supply chain fragility, and relentless digitisation are forcing Operational Technology (OT) security to mature into a force to be reckoned with. Here’s what 2026 looks like: AI-Powered adversaries demand autonomous defence AI is no longer an abstract threat vector; it’s an operational force multiplier that attackers are leveraging with frightening results. We’re witnessing adversaries use autonomous agents to probe networks, map exposed devices, and launch dynamic exploitation campaigns that run continuously. In 2026, those systems will act autonomously: isolating compromised segments, or enforcing multifactor re-authentication for operators under suspicious conditions. In OT, where minutes can mean millions, automation will be the only meaningful defence. CTEM becomes the operational centre of gravity A few years ago, “CTEM” was just another Gartner acronym. In 2026, it’s the organising principle for any serious OT security program. CTEM represents a shift from periodic vulnerability management to continuous, risk-based exposure assessment and management across hardware, firmware, network paths, and even supply-chain dependencies. But the key difference this year is context. We’re aligning exposures with what actually matters; the physical process, the human safety implications, and the potential operational impact. The cybersecurity landscape in 2026 is clearly set for a strong and necessary integration where vendors leverage the strengths of CTEM to directly inform actionable firewall enforcements, workflows, and reporting. This narrative is driven by the final “Mobilisation” step of the CTEM cycle, which demands that validated, confirmed high-priority exposures leads to an immediate, automated remediation. Specifically for firewalls, this means a CTEM platform will no longer just issue a general alert but will use its deep, risk-based context to trigger a Security Orchestration, Automation, and Response (SOAR) playbook that instantly pushes a micro-segmentation policy or a temporary block rule to […]

Digital transformation

From February 2026 issue, NZ Manufacturer www.nzmanufacturer.co.nz By Frank Phillips, Director, Fulcrum New Zealand Ltd Automation in manufacturing is a competitive imperative. It’s getting easier and cheaper to do, and able to be applied in situations previously unsuitable. Knowing where to start, identifying the right process to automate, detailing solid scopes and finding the right parter are challenges across the industry. That’s why we started Fulcrum, ‘The Automation Brokers’. We help Kiwi manufacturers cut through the complexity of automation projects, keep upfront costs down and reduce risk, while unlocking tangible performance gains. At its core, Fulcrum is an independent automation broker. A new way for manufacturers assess custom automation opportunities. Like other broker models we work on behalf of the buyer, ensuring clarity in what they are buying and finding the best deal and our revenue predominantly comes from the technology partners in our network. Rather than selling a specific technology or locking clients into one vendor’s solution, we assess processes, write business cases, calculate return on investment and detail scopes before putting the opportunity to market across proven partners with proven track records. We have seen many companies delay or abandon automation initiatives simply because the procurement process felt too daunting alongside the pressures of daily operations. That’s understandable when you’re expected to define scope, compare responses, and negotiate contracts on top of running a business. The real challenges NZ Manufacturers are facing Across Aotearoa, the conversation about automation often starts with machines robots, conveyors, vision systems — but it quickly evolves into something deeper: Budget constraints: Many SME manufacturers simply don’t have the capital or confidence to commit to large automation projects without a clear, validated path forward. Skills and capacity: Knowing what to automate and how to scope it requires expertise that many teams don’t have in-house. […]

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