Manufacturing Technology

-Sean Doherty Across New Zealand’s Government and manufacturing alike, one phrase is repeated almost like a badge of honour: “We’re working really hard.” Yet, when you look at the numbers, it’s clear that hard work isn’t translating into higher productivity. Rising input costs such as wages, electricity, and raw materials continue to eat into profits. Many local manufacturers now find themselves running at full capacity but achieving less output per hour than they did a few years ago. The question leaders should be asking is simple: Are we working harder, or are we working smarter? The Productivity Wake‑Up Call New Zealand’s ongoing productivity slide isn’t a reflection of a lack of effort. It’s a signal that many manufacturers are stuck in a cycle of firefighting meeting daily demands while long-term efficiency initiatives fall down the priority list. True productivity improvement isn’t about longer hours or more pressure; it’s about creating systems that make workflow more efficiently, engaging people to solve problems, and embedding smarter measurement. Becoming more profitable and productive can feel like a daunting challenge when you’re struggling just to get product out the door. But here are my top five tips. Choose just one to focus on for the next 90 days and let me know how it goes. Engage Your People The best productivity ideas often come from the people who do the work every day. Leaders who create time and space for operators, planners, and even office staff to identify improvement opportunities can unlock huge value. Start by running short weekly sessions focused on “fix one thing” improvements. Empower staff to own small wins, such as setup time reduction or improved information flow. When people see that their ideas are acted on, engagement and performance rise together. Measure What Matters Many manufacturers collect a sea of data but […]

From NZ Manufacturer, September 2025 edition   By Sean Doherty Following on from my article, “New Zealand is Poor Because It Chooses To Be,” I have had numerous conversations with friends and manufacturers about the Government’s role in innovation, productivity, and manufacturing. I would like to note that I have left Government service, and the views and guidance I share below are my own. However, they are informed by over 20 years of experience working closely with manufacturers, including the last five years within Government, and the good fortune of gaining a global perspective on interventions other Governments have made to increase manufacturing productivity and longevity. Should the Government take action to help manufacturing? One could argue that the Government already has a lot on its plate, with health, education, police, and infrastructure dominating the headlines, while investing in the future prosperity of the country often seems more challenging. However, it is globally recognised that a strong manufacturing sector is a cornerstone of a dynamic, resilient, and competitive economy. It underpins employment, exports, productivity, and innovation. To put this in the New Zealand context: manufacturing directly employs about 11% of the workforce and contributes approximately 10% to GDP. In 2024, business spending on Research and Development (R&D) reached a record high. However, despite this investment, we are seeing productivity flattening, which squeezes business margins and makes it difficult for businesses to invest in growth and their people. What does the Government support today? While the Government supports numerous business programs, below are some recommendations for manufacturers. I suggest engaging with these initiatives and understanding how they might fit into your plans, so you can invest your time wisely and potentially benefit both your business and the wider industry. Advanced Manufacturing Aotearoa (AMA) This is the only direct investment from the […]