Manufacturing awards and activity shows positive start to 2026

Performance of Manufacturing Index

New data indicates New Zealand’s manufacturing sector has entered 2026 with continued positive momentum, recording its strongest level of expansion since December 2021.

The latest BNZ–BusinessNZ Performance of Manufacturing Index (PMI) shows a seasonally adjusted reading of 55.2 in in January 2026, down slightly from a 5 year high of 56.1 in December 2025. A PMI reading above 50 indicates expansion, pointing to improved manufacturing activity at the end of 2025.

Manufacturing remains a significant contributor to the New Zealand economy, employing more than 220,000 people, contributing around 8 percent of GDP, and accounting for approximately 60 percent of exports.

2026 Minister for Manufacturing Awards

Against this backdrop, nominations have now opened for the 2026 Minister for Manufacturing Awards, delivered in collaboration with Advancing Manufacturing Aotearoa (AMA). The awards recognise excellence across the sector, including business performance, leadership, innovation, and workforce development, and provide an opportunity to highlight the achievements of manufacturers contributing to New Zealand’s economic performance and future growth.

The 2026 awards programme includes new categories. This includes a dedicated Manufacturer of the Year award for businesses with fewer than 50 full‑time equivalent employees, reflecting the predominance of small manufacturers across the sector. Additional categories recognise emerging manufacturing leaders and long‑term contributions to manufacturing in New Zealand.

Nominations for the 2026 Minister for Manufacturing Awards opened on 23 February 2026 and will close on 31 March 2026. The awards event will be held in Auckland on 27 May 2026.

Minister for Manufacturing Awards / Advancing Manufacturing Aotearoa:

Minister for Manufacturing Awards 2026(external link) — Advancing Manufacturing Aotearoa

BNZ–BusinessNZ Performance of Manufacturing Index (PMI):

Healthy expansion continues(external link)  — BusinessNZ

Read the Minister’s press release:

Manufacturing starts year by shifting up a gear(external link) — Beehive.govt.nz