December 2016
Need High Quantities of Prototypes Fast? www.nzmanufacturer.co.nz
direct3dprinting.com.au
The Year in Review
Delivering more for Business less – achieving New confidence strong Zealand’s productivity for 2017 potential
Business is going into 2017 with a confident outlook, according to the most recent EMA Employers’ Survey. However, the skills shortage is a concern.
-Paul Conway The New Zealand economy is currently doing well in some important ways – our public finances are relatively healthy, the labour market has been one of the most successful in the OECD at creating jobs, and incomes have improved over recent years. But despite this optimistic view, New Zealand’s productivity performance continues to be weak. Achieving New Zealand’s productivity potential is the Productivity Commission’s commentary on New Zealand’s productivity performance. The paper draws on a large body of research and the Commission’s previous 10 inquiries. This shows that leading NZ firms do not achieve the same productivity growth as leading international firms in the same industry – our top firms are slow to adopt new technologies that enhance productivity. The pace at which new technology and ideas diffuse across firms in the domestic economy is also an important key to lifting productivity. But too few New Zealand firms implement and benefit from advances in technology and knowledge. Despite having relatively open borders, we are not
Most businesses expected business conditions to improve over the next six month (49%), while slightly fewer (47%) expected conditions to stay the same. Significantly, 68% of respondents expected their own business to grow in the next six months. This is a major increase on the same time a year ago - in November 2015 the response to the same question was 57%. “These results are most encouraging, especially with the uncertainty overseas,” says Kim Campbell, CEO, EMA.
Advertise in Manufacturers Marketplace for $30 a month Or on our website from $60 per month. Plan ahead. Economically viable. A sensible solution. Contact publisher@xtra.co.nz to find out more or Phone 06 870 9029
The majority of respondents said they had increased the number of employees in 2016, which would correlate with the positive outlook respondents have of their own business. However, on the downside, employers are still struggling to recruit, with 53% saying it is difficult or very difficult to attract suitable candidates for positions in general. While 72% saying it is difficult to recruit for skilled positions. Specifically, professionals, technicians and managers were the roles employers had the most difficulty recruiting. With machinery operators and labourers also featuring strongly as a growing area of skills shortage. This was backed up by the majority of respondents
continued on page 28
continued on page 28
In December Issue: The Year in Review
Christmas Special for smart and wise designers 15% off all new licenses, now $3417.00 Includes first year of Annual Maintenance.
A saving of $603.00
No lapsed license charge on maintenance
Renew your expired Annual Maintenance for $686.67
A saving of $168.67
Best value-for-money 3D CAD. Save me and money. Be more producve in 2017. Product and industrial design.
Mechanical and sheet metal design.
Buy Annual Maintenance, update to the latest version. Get access to user forum and support. Install on mulple computers. Acvate/de-acvate the installaons yourself. 06 8337093 enquiries@baycad.biz
Prices quoted do not include GST. Promoon ends 5:00PM Dec 23 2016