Business News

Making an apprenticeship work for your manufacturing business

130 companies share their tips Competenz, the industry training organisation (ITO) for New Zealand’s manufacturing industries, know that apprenticeships are a practical way to help you build a capable team. They know, too, that manufacturing employers who train apprentices make major investments in time and money. So they thought you’d value some tips to help make the most of these investments. They come from the people who know best how it’s done: employers in 130 companies who train apprentices, including wood, food and beverage, furniture, and general manufacturers. You can read more in the recent Competenz research report: Getting the best from your investment in training an apprentice (October 2015). Recruit your apprentices carefully. It’s all about attitude. Does the person have a passion for manufacturing and your industry? Are they keen to learn? Will they fit in with your team? Get your apprentices off to a good start. Explain how your business works and buddy them up with someone who can answer their questions. Set clear expectations: it’s their apprenticeship, not yours. Explain what your apprentices need to do, and how you’ll support them. Then start apprentices on some simple tasks to build their confidence. Set clear goals for your apprentices’ learning. Explain what they need to learn and by when, and how you’ll measure their progress. Offer your apprentices challenging, varied work. Structure their work and training plans so they build skills in a logical way, work on ‘real life’ issues, and take on increasing responsibility. Support your apprentices on-the-job. Responsive supervision from an experienced, approachable tradesperson is key to a successful apprenticeship. Review apprentices’ progress regularly. This will help you keep their learning on track and resolve issues quickly. Talk about career opportunities early in the apprenticeship. This will motivate your apprentices and help you retain them […]

Energy ministers and business leaders to meet at Resilience Summit

The growing importance of resilience is demonstrated in the calibre of delegates gathering in New Zealand’s capital next month for the Asia-Pacific Energy Leaders’ Summit hosted by the World Energy Council and BusinessNZ Energy Council. Energy resilience is emerging as a clear priority for both the private and public sector. The Asia-Pacific Energy Leaders’ Summit is attracting CEOs and senior executives from across the globe, including Shell, Rosseti Russia, Enersis Chile, Chevron, Honda and Fujitsu, and energy experts from Norway, US, UK, Japan, China, the Philippines and Australia. They will be joining over 50 major corporates and institutions from New Zealand and around the world, including the World Bank, Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, Asian Development Bank, APEC Energy Working Group, International Renewable Energy Association and the APEC Sustainable Energy Centre. Energy Ministers and high level officials from across the Asia-Pacific will join New Zealand Ministers Bridges and Bennett to discuss the growing resilience risks and challenges presented by climate change, emerging technologies, extreme weather events, cyber security, and the energy-water-food nexus. Hon Simon Bridges, NZ Minister of Energy and Resources says, “Energy system resilience is key to supporting and growing a vibrant economy. The Asia-Pacific Energy Leaders’ Summit offers an opportunity for dialogue on transitioning to more sustainable and resilient energy systems, and I look forward to taking part.” The aim is to share insights and lessons about what can be done to address these challenges, including solutions available to the Asia-Pacific region. The World Energy Council will be launching a new report on the energy-water-food nexus at the event. Dr Christoph Frei, Secretary General, World Energy Council says, “Bringing business and policymakers together in this unique fashion is a vital step forward in finding solutions to building resilience in the Asia-Pacific region. I look forward to being part of […]

Construction sector forecast to remain a major economic contributor

New Zealand dwelling building activity to strengthen further post-Christchurch rebuild Driven by strong activity particularly in Auckland Amid housing demand from its population growth and a shortage in housing supply Infrastructure construction to be boosted by Accelerated Auckland Transport Programme The construction sector in New Zealand is forecast to continue to contribute positively to the country’s economy over the medium term, according to leading industry analyst and economic forecaster, BIS Shrapnel. While the sector will be led by a renewed surge in dwelling building activity to new highs in the second half of the five-year outlook period, overall non-residential and infrastructure construction activities are likely to remain at relatively high levels. According to the company’s Building and Construction in New Zealand 2016-2021 report, the value of building (residential and non-residential) is expected to peak in 2016/17, capping off a five-year upturn. However, following a modest decline in dwelling activity forecast for 2017/18, BIS Shrapnel expects reasonably strong rebounds in the activity level (led by Auckland) over the three years to 2020/21 to lift the value of new dwelling consents to a fresh high of around NZ$6 billion in real terms. The value of non-residential building consents (new, and alterations and additions) is expected to remain at relatively high levels, averaging NZ$3.3 billion per annum in real terms over the five-year outlook period – which is comparable to the level over the preceding five-year period. The next dwelling building upturn is likely to drive consents in New Zealand up to around 32,000 by 2020/21, which is comparable to the peak level during the 2003/04 building boom. “The ‘other’ dwelling segment (apartments, retirement units, town houses and flats) is expected to register strong growth, as high land cost especially in the Auckland region and the government’s plan to increase affordable housing […]

New innovations for NMW 2016

National Manufacturing Week, Australia’s largest, longest running manufacturing industry event, returns to Sydney (May 11 – 13), with industry ‘firsts’ to help propel the industry into the future. Key to this year’s program are co-located events, high profile industry figures presenting case studies and new ideas, as well as exhibitors from around the world with innovative products and services. To enhance the value of attending for industry professionals, NMW2016 will be co-located with headline events showcasing new possibilities for manufacturers, including the Safety First Conference & Expo. Safety First is Australia’s first one-stop safety event that provides a rare opportunity to see safety solutions and talk with leading safety thinkers. NMW will also co-locate with Inside 3D Printing Conference & Expo, the Australian education of the world-leading event that will bring new strategies, stories of success and more to help local companies make the most of game-changing 3D printing technologies. Inside 3D Printing will showcase next generation 3D printers and companies that can help businesses open up new worlds of possibility. The showcase will include Konica Minolta Business Solutions’, with 3D technologies that help companies create working prototypes, parts and custom-made products in a fraction of the time currently required, with industry leading service support by Konica Minolta’s national service organisation. The showcase will also include energetic local businesses – including Bilby 3D and Sydney 3D Printing – backing global technologies with advice and support for companies looking to leverage new opportunities from this game-changing technology. NMW to showcase innovations across the exhibition floor NMW will be home to over a thousand innovative products and services, from some 200 European, Asian and local companies. Among the new solutions on offer in 2016 will be – in the Welding Technology Product Zone – the latest in welding solutions from Kemppi. Kemppi […]

New sustainable business leader

Abbie Reynolds has been appointed as the Sustainable Business Council’s new Executive Director where she will continue to build its successful work leading sustainable business practices in New Zealand. The Sustainable Business Council has 85 members, including some of New Zealand’s largest companies. Its membership now accounts for about a third of private sector GDP. Abbie, who currently leads the Vodafone Foundation and is Head of Sustainability at Vodafone says she is looking forward to the challenge: “The Sustainable Business Council’s work has had a significant impact on supporting New Zealand businesses to be more sustainable. It’s a privilege to be able to build on the great work that has been done to date and to ensure we have the right environment to move further and faster in the future.” In her role, Abbie will champion the interests of businesses who are advancing their sustainability. This includes driving action on climate change, governance, social impact and ecosystem health. She will also continue to grow the organisation’s focus on mainstreaming sustainable business practices throughout New Zealand. Abbie brings with her a depth of expertise in social, financial and environmental sustainability within business. Previously she has led sustainability and regulatory work at Spark, the UK’s Cable & Wireless and as a resource management/environment solicitor for Bell Gully. She has a proven track record of delivering results in sustainable business development. The current Executive Director, Penny Nelson, is leaving to take up the position of Deputy Secretary, Sector Strategy at the Ministry for the Environment in late February.

Time for Exporters to Shine

It’s time for exporters to shine and share their success stories. Judges of the Air New Zealand Cargo ExportNZ Awards 2016 – Auckland and Waikato, are looking for exporters from a range of sectors to enter into this year’s awards. Exporting is a vital component of New Zealand’s economy, and the day-to-day work of these companies often flies under the radar, says Catherine Lye, Executive Officer of ExportNZ Auckland. “The purpose of the awards is to celebrate the hard work of our exporters and give them recognition for their ingenuity, innovation and indomitable drive. “These companies have helped transform our economy. We are a trading nation, and we need to recognise how important and valuable our exporters are. What they do every day, impacts all of us.” Exports account for 29% of New Zealand’s GDP (NZ$49 billion). ExportNZ Auckland has been running the awards since 2009, as part of its mission to champion the value of exporting for New Zealand and New Zealanders. This year, members of the Waikato division of ExportNZ will also be eligible to enter the awards, effectively making it the most significant event for exporters to enter into. All entrants are members of the EMA. As part of EMA’s membership they are eligible to join ExportNZ. Entries for the awards are now open and close on March 18. Air New Zealand Cargo ExportNZ Awards 2016 Award categories: Westpac Exporter of the Year (export revenue over $25million) QBE Insurance Exporter of the Year (export revenue under $25million) BDO Exporter of the Year (export revenue $1million – $10million) Endace Services Exporter of the Year (export revenue $1million – $10million) TNT Emerging Exporter of the Year Baldwins Intellectual Property Best Use of Commercialisation for Export Quantium Solutions Best Use of Digital Strategy for […]

Rockwell Automation TechED comes to New Zealand

Optimise your production data, increase yield, reduce energy costs, build secure networks and much more in beginner to advanced training. New Zealand will host the global Rockwell Automation TechED event on 21-23 March 2016 at the Pullman Hotel in Auckland. This not to be missed event is the premier, ‘hands on’ education and networking event of the automation world. Rockwell Automation TechED is a premium event for end-users, systems integrators, partners and equipment builders. With more than 50 hands-on labs, technical sessions and discussion forums, attendees from around the country will gather to learn and be inspired by how their peers tackle day-to-day challenges. This year’s New Zealand event offers sessions over three days, which flow from higher level software topics and concludes with the finer points of motor control. Attendees can discover the latest techniques to efficiently deliver Manufacturing Intelligence to mobile devices and interact with the latest technology for improving manufacturing and production processes. According to Matthew Treeby, commercial marketing manager at Rockwell Automation, “The Internet of Things is providing new prospects for industry. Converging the IT and OT worlds offers new levels of visibility and flexibility for manufacturing, but is not without risk.” “With exclusive insights into the latest information and mobile platforms, intelligent motor control and secure networking, TechED presents an unmissable opportunity to discover how the Connected Enterprise is the future of high-performance manufacturing,” he said. Take advantage of the opportunity to network and exchange ideas with peers from various industry backgrounds and learn more about the innovative methods being employed by leading industry insiders. Attend all three days for the full experience, or come for only a day for a focussed day of topics that interest you. For further information please visit, http://www.rockwellautomation.com/en_NZ/events/RATechED-2016.page?

Currency remains uncomfortably high

While the New Zealand Dollar (NZD) has fallen back from record highs, it remains uncomfortably high for manufacturers and exporters, particularly against the Australian Dollar (AUD), say the New Zealand Manufacturers and Exporters Association (NZMEA). NZMEA Chief Executive Dieter Adam says, “Manufacturers and exporters have been pleased to see the currency fall back, but there is still a way to go. The NZD has reacted somewhat to today’s fall in dairy prices against some currencies, but has risen against the AUD. In recent months our currency has been failing to fall significantly, in spite of a series of dairy price decreases, reductions in our interest rates and an (albeit minor) increase in US interest rates. Unlike in similar situations of global uncertainty in the past, our dollar has also failed to respond to the recent negative sentiment and falls in equity prices globally. “Australia is one of our most significant trading partners, and is our largest export market for mechanical machinery and equipment. Against the Australian dollar, our currency has trended upwards since 2011, where it sat in the low 0.70’s. “Staying at the 0.94c – 0.92c range against the AUD is putting pressure on our manufacturers ability to be competitive and get the margins needed to re-invest in their businesses. Manufacturers need to invest in R&D, equipment, expanding markets and employees skills to grow and stay competitive into the future. “Manufacturers will be watching the Reserve Bank of New Zealand’s (RBNZ) next OCR decision and corresponding comments on the currency, for which they have continued to point to as uncomfortably high for some time. Inflation and inflation expectations remain low despite recent OCR cuts – we may need to start looking seriously at ways to give the RBNZ more tools and targets, to better balance outcomes for inflation, employment, […]

Domestic manufacturing sales robust, but weaker exports

The latest New Zealand Manufacturers and Exporters Association (NZMEA) Survey of Business Conditions completed during January 2016, shows total sales in December 2015 decreased 2.84% (year on year export sales decreased by 10.76% with domestic sales increasing 9.02%) on December 2014. The NZMEA survey sample this month covered NZ$226m in annualised sales, with an export content of 45%. Net confidence fell to 18, down from 24 in November. The current performance index (a combination of profitability and cash flow) is at 101, down from 106 last month, the change index (capacity utilisation, staff levels, orders and inventories) was at 100, down from 103 in the last survey, and the forecast index (investment, sales, profitability and staff) is at 107.33, down on the last result of 110.67. Anything over 100 indicates expansion. Constraints reported were 76% markets, 12% production capacity and 12% skilled staff. Net 12% of firms reported a modest rise in productivity in December. Staff numbers for December increased 0.36% year on year. Tradespersons, supervisors, managers, operators/labourers and professional/scientists reported a moderate shortage. “Domestic manufacturing sales have bounced back up, after two months of flat results and another good improvement in September. Conversely, it appears some exporters are going through a period of weaker demand over the last few months – this may reflect a more uncertain global environment. Overall we are seeing more evidence for a relatively strong domestic economy.” says Dieter Adam, Chief Executive of the NZMEA. “Accompanying this was a reduction in all of the index measures, however all three stayed in expansion mode. The forecast index, which indicates investment, sales, profit and staffing expectations, stayed high at 107.33, coming off the back of the most positive result recorded since 2004 in November (110.67) – there remains a fair chunk of optimism for the future. “The […]

Flawed and Cringing New Zealand Foreign Policy Closes World’s Biggest Nation Russia to Vital NZ Exports

Craven fawning United States orientated policy conflicts with frivolous and irresponsible populist stance to wreck trade New Zealand manufacturers in the food and food processing equipment sector in shutting the door on exports to Russia will find themselves also shutting themselves out of an immense and reliable growth market counsels the managing director of Napier Engineering & Contracting. The company turnkey constructed a string of freezing works in Russia with all the expertise and processing equipment hardware shipped out of the Port of Napier. The experience was both profitable for Napier Engineering and salutary. “Our staff who lived in Russia for months a time were superbly treated. In most contracts of the scope and size of this one there are major problems. But in the Russian project no problem arose that could not be solved on the spot,” recalled Ken Evans (pictured). Mr Evans warned exporters that the US – invoked embargo that prevented EU members from selling to the Russians meant in practice that the Russians were jump-starting their own food and food processing machinery resources. Mr Evans said that the Russians were not unaware of the inconsistency inherent in New Zealand banning US Navy vessels warships on the one hand. Then “grovelling in meek obeisance” on the other in falling into line with a US embargo on Russia to which it was not even party to. An export economy such as New Zealand’s simply could not eliminate the world’s biggest country, which also happened to be a growth one and an emerging one, insisted Mr Evans. The falling into line of the EU with the United States embargo on Russia was substantially responsible for the world milk surplus. Milk and other agri products that would have been sent to Russia continue to back up into an unmanageable world […]

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