The Advancing Manufacturing Aotearoa (AMA) Annual General Meeting on 10 November was a celebration of collaboration and progress across the manufacturing sector. It provided an opportunity to reflect on achievements in 2025 and set the stage for the year ahead.
A Year of Significant Progress
2025 marked a transformative year for AMA. Through targeted initiatives—such as sector visibility campaigns, programs to address labour shortages, and efforts to foster a sustainable talent pipeline—AMA has continued to bridge gaps across the ecosystem, spark collaboration, and connect the right people and programs at the right time.
One of the standout achievements was the Future Makers campaign, launched between April and June. This initiative generated over 1.3 million video impressions and 532,550 views, featuring ten hero businesses including Rocket Lab, Dodson Motorsport, Enztec, Douglas Pharmaceuticals and HamiltonJet. With the new brand identity “Make Your Mark,” the campaign leveraged storytelling and social media to surpass engagement benchmarks, achieving 4,000 monthly clicks and 1,400 career guide downloads. These results lay a strong foundation for future efforts to enhance the sector’s visibility and attract talent.
Celebrating Excellence
The inaugural Minister for Manufacturing Awards, held at SouthMACH in May, highlighted innovation and leadership across the sector. With 55 expressions of interest, 38 formal entries, and 16 finalists, the awards attracted strong engagement and showcased the depth of talent within New Zealand manufacturing. SouthMACH itself achieved record attendance, growing by 22% compared to the previous year, reinforcing the event’s value as a hub for industry recognition and networking.
Building the Workforce of Tomorrow
AMA’s commitment to workforce development was evident through initiatives such as the Earn as You Learn NZ Certificate in Manufacturing L3 pilot, launched in Waikato in February. This program enrolled 21 students in a 30-week paid work-and-study pathway, addressing labour shortages and providing practical training. Positive feedback has paved the way for expansion into regions including Hutt Valley, Canterbury, and Auckland.
Youth engagement also took centre stage with the Youth Without Borders STEM Camp, hosted by the University of Auckland. The camp inspired high school students to explore technical careers, with interest in tertiary education jumping from 43% before the camp to 100% afterward. Regional programs like the Manufacturing Passport initiative connected students with local businesses through site visits and digital badges, fostering real-world connections and career awareness.
Looking Ahead
As highlighted during the AGM, AMA’s priorities remain clear:
AGM Meeting Papers
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