Sarah Ramsay Appointed as Chair of Advancing Manufacturing Aotearoa

We are excited to announce Sarah Ramsay as the new Chair of AMA. Based in Dunedin, Sarah is the co-owner and CEO of advanced manufacturer United Machinists.

AMA Board election announcement

As discussed during our December AGM, we are pleased to announce that applications are now open for the six available roles on the AMA Board. Nominations will be accepted until February 5th, 2025

Announcing the AMA NZ Manufacturing Awards 2025!

AMA are excited to celebrate & recognise excellence in the manufacturing industry at the 2025 Manufacturing Awards! These awards will recognise outstanding achievements across four key categories

Work visa reforms announced

The Government has announced reforms to the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) scheme, a new seasonal work pathway and work rights for more Interim Visa holders.

Only 27 More Smart Factory Assessments Available!

Apply for a fully-funded smart factory assessment as part of Callaghan Innovation's Industry 4.0 program.

Event: SouthMACH, 28-29 May 2025

Explore the South Island’s largest trade event for the manufacturing and engineering industries. Entries are open!

Your Story Matters – Here’s what next

To everyone who shared stories with us – thank you so much. The response to the Future Makers campaign has been amazing, and we’re so excited about the depth of talent, innovation, and inspiring stories across New Zealand’s manufacturing sector.

A New Name: Introducing Advancing Manufacturing Aotearoa

Advanced Manufacturing Aotearoa (AMA) has officially changed its name to Advancing Manufacturing Aotearoa.

BNZ Performance of Manufacturing Index - November

Retreat- PMI 45.5 - New Zealand’s manufacturing sector continued to show contraction at a faster rate during November, according to the latest BNZ – BusinessNZ Performance of Manufacturing Index (PMI).

Share Your Story - Join the "Future Makers" Campaign

We’re thrilled to announce we are working on the launch of an exciting initiative to celebrate the incredible people and stories within New Zealand’s manufacturing sector - the "Future Makers" campaign.

BNZ Performance of Manufacturing Index - October

Lost Momentum - PMI 45.8 - New Zealand’s manufacturing sector showed contraction at a faster rate during October, according to the latest BNZ – BusinessNZ Performance of Manufacturing Index (PMI).

AMA Special Council Meeting - 20th November 2024

This will be open to all members with the first part of the meeting focussed on any questions around the new Constitution, which will be distributed beforehand. and pr

Unlock your potential with the NZ Diploma Competitive Systems & Practices L5

Are you ready to elevate your career and improve operational excellence in the workplace?

Register - AMA AGM 4th December 2024

Please Register for our upcoming Annual General Meeting (AGM), where we’ll discuss key strategic updates and industry insights that will shape our path forward.  

BNZ Performance of Manufacturing Index - September 2024

The Long and Slow Road - PMI - 46.9 - New Zealand’s manufacturing sector continued to show higher levels of activity for September, although remained in contraction, according to the latest BNZ – BusinessNZ Performance of Manufacturing Index (PMI).

Workforce Development Plans

Strategically preparing Aotearoa, New Zealand's manufacturing, engineering, and logistics industries for future success by addressing diverse workforce needs, emerging trends and technologies, regional needs, skills gaps, and sector-specific challenges.

Sistema Plastics Factory Tours - 16th Oct / 13th Nov

AMA is inviting manufacturers to join us for an exclusive tour of Sistema Plastics Oct 16 & Nov 13. Experience Industry 4.0 technologies and automation in action!

Panning for Gold with Fisher & Paykel Healthcare

On a recent visit to Fisher & Paykel Healthcare, AMA CEO Catherine Lye met with Desh Edirisuriya, General Manager – New Zealand Operations. They discussed everything from people to plant productivity and going above and beyond world class best practice to do something different, something better.

BNZ Performance of Manufacturing Index - August 2024

Incremental Improvement - PMI 45.8 - New Zealand’s manufacturing sector showed further signs of improvement during August, although still in contraction, according to the latest BNZ – BusinessNZ Performance of Manufacturing Index (PMI).

Consultation on the Government's proposed redesign of the vocational education and training system is closed

Thank you to everyone who has engaged over the last six weeks to ensure that your voice is heard by the Government. Read the AMA and Hanga Aro Rau submissions here

BNZ Performance of Manufacturing Index - July 2024

Stopping the Rot - PMI 44.0 - Activity in New Zealand’s manufacturing sector showed some small signs of improvement, although still in contraction, according to the latest BNZ – BusinessNZ Performance of Manufacturing Index (PMI).

Vocational education reform consultation begins

Success Stories: Hutt Valley Innovation and Collaboration Story

There is no silver bullet to solve New Zealand's economic challenges, but gold nuggets are scattered everywhere.

Mapping Waste Streams & Reducing Carbon Emissions

This week Advanced Manufacturing Aotearoa attended the report launch and unveiling of the updated Climate Action Toolbox. Both initiatives aim to help the manufacturing sector reduce its greenhouse gas emissions.

BNZ Performance of Manufacturing Index - June 2024

Freefall - PMI 41.1 - Activity in New Zealand’s manufacturing sector dropped to its third lowest value for a non-COVID lockdown month.

EVENT: Transforming Manufacturing - the role of AI

New Zealand Manufacturing Talent Survey 2024

AMA are surveying the manufacturing sector to collect and present comprehensive evidential data to support our advocacy for solutions to the challenges arising from the recent changes in immigration settings.   Our goal is to provide the Minister with detailed, data-driven real-time insights that highlight the critical areas affected and propose actionable solutions

EMEX2024 - One Company’s Reflections

Des Pitfield from Lower Hutt manufacturer Datum Machines - Our stand was the result of 11 months of design and prototyping.

BNZ Performance of Manufacturing Index - May 2024

Lack of Orders - PMI 47.2 - Activity in New Zealand’s manufacturing sector experienced a drop in May

Budget 2024 for Manufacturing

It is clear that the allocation for manufacturing is significantly less than what the sector needs, though this is not surprising for the immediate 12-month horizon. The key factor will be the Minister's decisions regarding the long-term strategy, and we are confident that through AMA’s established connections with MPAG, we will continue to play a vital role in this process…

The Relentless Pursuit of Better, Faster, Smarter

Having arrived late to the viewing of the latest Netflix series, “Drive to Survive,” I couldn’t help but notice the striking parallels between Formula One and our manufacturing/engineering industry.

Go Fourth and Prosper

How can Industry 4.0 technologies help Aotearoa’s manufacturers to work smarter, not harder, and is there a flow-on benefit for the way people view engineers

Success Story: SnapCore - Oceans to Orbit

Catherine Lye attended the grand opening ceremony of SnapCore’s new advanced manufacturing facility in Nelson on the 13th May 2024. The Honourable Shane Jones, Minister of Regional Development and Oceans and Fisheries presided over the ceremony, and it was attended by well over 100 friends, family, iwi, business leaders, local & central government officials, investors. It was incredibly fulfilling, rewarding, and inspiring for all who have played a key role in SnapCore’s transition into a global hitter.

Tech Week 24 is live! 20th - 26th May

Featuring hundreds of events nationwide and engaging thousands of Kiwi across the motu. Techweek drives the national conversation about the value and impact of emerging technology upon the lives of New Zealanders.

TechStep - Tech Ambassadors to inspire the next generation

Auckland Business Chamber, Hutt Valley Chamber of Commerce and their many partners around Aotearoa.  The team would like to appeal to Manufacturers to get involved - find out more

BNZ Performance of Manufacturing Index - April 2024

To and Fro - PMI 48.9 - Activity in New Zealand’s manufacturing sector experienced a pick up during April,

AI and manufacturing: why AI is not an either-or decision

AMA board member Phill Patton asked his Datacom colleagues Tracey Cotter-Martin & Dave Ffowcs-Williams to share insights on the opportunities AI holds for manufacturing in New Zealand – and some advice for organisations getting started.

Digital Systems for Productivity Improvement in Manufacturing

NZQA has just approved a new micro-credential for Digital Systems for Productivity Improvement in Manufacturing

BNZ Performance of Manufacturing Index - March 2024

Activity in New Zealand’s manufacturing sector experienced stronger contraction during March, according to the latest BNZ – BusinessNZ Performance of Manufacturing Index (PMI). The seasonally...

Innovate, Collaborate, Transform: NZ Product Accelerator and Fisher & Paykel's Visionary Partnership

In the ever-evolving landscape of technology and innovation, the NZ Product Accelerator (NZPA) aims to supercharge the research and development processes of local companies.

Success Stories: 2024 Finalists announced in NZ Hi-Tech Awards

A HUGE round of applause for the amazing NZ Hi-Tech Award Finalists with a particular spotlight and shoutout to New Zealand’s ‘manufacturing’ finalists demonstrating excellence across the technology sector!

Event: Manufacturing Industry Conference (in conjunction with EMEX 2024)

After the success of the 2023 Manufacturing Industry Conference hosted by MAKE│NZ and SouthMach, we’re bringing the conference north to Auckland for EMEX 2024. Join us on Wednesday May 29th 2024 at 10am to 5:30pm

Success Stories: East Auckland Business Awards 2024

Business East Tamaki staged an unforgettable evening filled with recognition, inspiration and a lot of fun on the 20th March!  Congratulations to the finalists in the 'excellence in industry & manufacturing' category and winner Leanne's Kitchen.

Event: SOREC Summit - Future proofing your manufacturing & engineering business

The premier event celebrating manufacturing & engineering businesses across Otago & Southland scheduled for Thurs 18th April

Developing a Plan to PowerUP NZ Manufacturing

Manufacturing is critical to the New Zealand economy, underpinning over half of our exports and employing around 250,000 people. As New Zealand’s first ever Minister for Manufacturing, Andrew Bayly, has hosted two workshops to improve the sector and encourage growth, which will ultimately make sure our economy is firing on all cylinders.

Industry4.0 Demonstration Network

The Industry 4.0 Demonstration Network is a Government initiative to help New Zealand businesses realise the benefits of a range of digital technologies that will enhance manufacturing performance, output, monitoring and control.

Beyond Borders: Global Innovations in Sustainable Manufacturing Technology

NZIER Report to ASB - Business Productivity in New Zealand

This provides a prime opportunity for banks to play their part in driving productivity growth by supporting businesses with financial investment in technology, innovation and developing export markets.Take out business lending to increase productivity by 30 June, and you could be eligible for your share of $5 million worth of Productivity Grants.

BNZ Performance of Manufacturing Index - February 2024

Activity in New Zealand’s manufacturing sector continued to show improvement in February, but still remained in contraction, according to the latest BNZ – BusinessNZ Performance of Manufacturing Index (PMI).

ImmigrationNZ Roundup: January - February 2024

The latest bi-monthly ImmigrationNZ Roundup, with a summary of policy changes in January & February - plus the usual key links and recent stats

Success Stories: ANZ Business of the Year Awards 2024 (Ashburton District)

It's time to hit fast forward

It’s time to hit fast forward: Spark study finds a 20% uplift in advanced digital technologies could boost productivity and increase industry output by up to $26 billion in the next decade

Westpac Manufacturing Insights Report - Connecting for Prosperity

Westpac released their new insights report today, "Manufacturing in New Zealand - Connecting for prosperity".

Manufacturers urged to adopt more digital tech: 'NZ is a decade behind Europe'

"Larger firms here are investing in smart technologies, although that typically focuses on getting greater efficiencies out of existing operating models. But that's very different from using digital technologies to enable transformative change." - Westpac NZ Industry Economist, Paul Clark

Small is our Superpower

New Zealand has a strong manufacturing sector, but it could be better, stronger, more productive. Technology is a key enabler.

Debunking the Myths: A case for manufacturing

Catherine Lye interviews AMA Board member Glenn Hansen Group CFO, Vortex Engineering Group

Accelerating Manufacturing Innovation

Join us for an exciting in-person event - the Accelerating Manufacturing Innovation hosted by New Zealand Product Accelerator and University of Waikato!

What is advanced manufacturing? It's as easy as SMB...

Advanced Manufacturing for SMB: the path to smarter, modern & better operations

AMA applauds Minister for Manufacturing appointment

Advanced Manufacturing Aotearoa (AMA) applauds the appointment of Andrew Bayly as Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, Minister for Small Business and Manufacturing, and Minister of Statistics.

Minister of Manufacturing?

National’s Manufacturing spokesman Andrew Bayly aims to have a Minister of Manufacturing in the new Government.

2023 NZ Advanced Manufacturing report

The Technology Investment Network’s (TIN) inaugural NZ Advanced Manufacturing report is now available.

Productivity - it turns out its rocket science

We need a government that’s clever enough to put policy in place that supports companies shifting from identifying high value innovation, to making it. It’s not rocket science. Or is it?

Chief Executive Appointed

Catherine Lye is the first Chief Executive of Advanced Manufacturing Aotearoa. She has a deep knowledge of the ITP and understanding of issues faced by the sector.