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title: "Manufacturing in April: Global pressures & a chance to meet the new Minister"
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 This month: Strong export demand, regional performance, EMEX insights, and what’s coming next for manufacturers. ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­    ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­  

| View in browser↗ SUPPORT SERVICES     WHAT'S ON    CONTACT Manufacturing Update - May 2026 Kia ora With a background of global tensions and conflicts, logistics, trade barriers and bottlenecks, along with the high energy prices and rising input costs, it is easy to forget that New Zealand manufacturers and exporters continue to sell strongly into global markets.    It's fair to say after talking to a number of people from around NZ, it feels like the country is turning a corner and momentum is picking up. However, for those still navigating ongoing impacts, our Leading through Global Disruption forum on 15th May, could offer practical support with insights and strategies.   Turning our attention locally, Canterbury continues to be a top performer in the National economy, with regional indicators showing Canterbury, Otago & Southland performing strongly in areas such as GDP, employment and demand. This has been underpinned by continued good global demand for primary produce, and the recent payouts to the New Zealand dairy farmers.   To top this off the city and region have experienced very strong tourism growth over recent months, and have been the envy of New Zealand for recent events such as the inaugural 2026 Christchurch Supercars 440 at Ruapuna Raceway, drawing over 65,000 spectators, and last weeks Super Rugby Super Round drawing 75,000 visitors over three days. The city of Christchurch, the people and the weather have left a lasting impression on all the visitors to our fair city and region.   Looking ahead this month, manufacturers have EMEX to look forward to, New Zealand’s largest manufacturing technology trade show. It’s where cutting-edge solutions, new technologies, and industry leaders come together. Keep an eye out for key features including the AMA Minister of Manufacturing Awards presentation and the MakeNZ Industry Conference. If you’re heading along, let us know how you find it and what you take away from it.   I’m also really looking forward to catching up with many of you at our upcoming Prime Minister’s Lunch in June. We have a number of tables available for those keen to host their team or customers, and it’s a valuable opportunity to put questions forward and gain insight into what’s ahead.   Thanks John 🔗 Quick Links and Industry Updates 🏭 Local Manufacturing News How a Christchurch Engineer Built a World-Class EV Charger the World Suddenly Needs, M2 Empty warehouse transformed into state-of-the-art metal refining facility, RNZ Global telecoms base will attract national and international investment groups, OneRoof $500m-plus to be invested in huge new South Island industrial expansion, Building today 🇳🇿 New Zealand Manufacturing  The 20 fastest-growing jobs in New Zealand, Stuff Manufacturing insight: Turning advanced technology into practice, Engineering News New Hampton Downs Green Steel plant, NZ Herald Australian company plans $3b lignite-to-fertiliser plant in Southland, RNZ Case Study \| Backing Shot Darts’ Innovation with R&D Funding 💡 Thought Piece by Sean Doherty The cost of Deindustrialisation: How New Zealand’s manufacturing decline threatens our economic future. Read More 🌏 U.C. Global Impact Industry Project Expressions of interest are now open for businesses to take part in the University of Canterbury Global Impact Industry Project, more details and the application form can be found here. 📆 Highlights from the Calendar Upcoming events include a roundtable with MSD Regional Commissioner Blair McKenzie and the 2026 Prime Minister’s Lunch, several factory tours are also in planning, so keep an eye out for further details soon. Thu 18 Jun Business Canterbury's Prime Minister’s Lunch 2026 Q&A and networking. Get Your Ticket → Wed 17 Jun Practical Marketing  Strategy development, audience mastery, and leveraging channels. Learn More → Thu 18 Jun Build Your Business Roadmap Increase Value & Create Financial Freedom. Book a Spot →  Explore more upcoming training and events → If you’re dealing with any challenges or opportunities in your manufacturing business, please feel free to get in touch. I’m always happy to help and I genuinely enjoy talking through what’s happening on the ground.   John Hamilton Business Advisor - Manufacturing johnh@businesscanterbury.co.nz Mobile 027 2754 190   Business Canterbury, 57 Kilmore Street, Christchurch, Canterbury 8013, Freecall 0800 50 50 96, email info@businesscanterbury.co.nz   Like to change how you receive our emails? Click here to update your preferences, choose specific subscriptions, or unsubscribe from all emails. |
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