Excellence Celebrated At First-Ever Minister For Manufacturing Awards
Press Release – New Zealand Government
Manufacturing fuels the economy by contributing over 8.4 percent to New Zealands GDP, generating more than 250,000 jobs and reinforcing our position as a global competitor, Minister for Small Business and Manufacturing Chris Penk says.
Minister for Small Business and Manufacturing
Exceptional Kiwi businesses and outstanding individuals who are driving industry productivity, innovation and job creation have been honoured at New Zealand's inaugural Minister for Manufacturing Awards.
'Manufacturing fuels the economy by contributing over 8.4 percent to New Zealand's GDP, generating more than 250,000 jobs and reinforcing our position as a global competitor,' Minister for Small Business and Manufacturing Chris Penk says.
'The 2025 Minister for Manufacturing Awards celebrated the prosperity this industry drives and most importantly, the outstanding people behind it.'
Held yesterday evening at Christchurch's premier industry showcase, SouthMACH, the event was hosted by Mr Penk in collaboration with Advancing Manufacturing Aotearoa.
'The calibre of finalists and winners reflects the strength and diversity of New Zealand's manufacturing sector – from suppliers of sustainably harvested timber, to developers of ground-breaking recycling technologies and producers of life-saving medical equipment,' Mr Penk says.
'These businesses are led by innovative thinkers and powered by skilled, hard-working Kiwis. Their success is something we can all take pride in and shows that manufacturing will continue to play a significant role in shaping New Zealand into a world-class economy.'
The awards recognise excellence across four key categories. The winners are:
Manufacturing Apprentice of the Year supported by Enztec:
Michael Vitale – Pacific Steel
Michael is working towards his Mechanical Engineering apprenticeship through Competenz at Pacific Steel. His early completion of theory components and impressive focus on health and safety in example projects shows remarkable dedication, and his success has encouraged the company to open apprenticeships to other operations employees.
Excellence in Manufacturing Leadership supported by Lawson Williams Consulting:
Nathan Hay – Argus ManuTech
Nathan Hay is a passionate manufacturing leader who has championed technology adoption, grown the workforce and empowered his team through focused upskilling. Mr Hays has led impactful partnerships, including med-tech ventures with MARS Bioimaging, that highlight how progressive manufacturing can drive positive social and environmental outcomes.
Excellence in Process Innovation supported by Swell Group:
Breadcraft Wairarapa Ltd
Breadcraft Wairarapa is a fourth-generation artisan bakery that's been proudly baking in Masterton since 1942. Through innovative brands like Rebel Bakehouse, they're combining tradition, sustainability and creativity to lead New Zealand's baking evolution.
Manufacturer of the Year supported by BNZ:
Douglas Pharmaceuticals
Douglas Pharmaceuticals specialises in high-barrier prescription medicines, produced in FDA and TGA-certified GMP facilities. They have grown from a family business into a people-focused industry leader that is continually innovating and delivering strong financial results. Douglas Pharmaceuticals sets the benchmark for NewZealand manufacturing and is a worthy recipient of this award.
'I offer my heartfelt congratulations to the outstanding businesses and individuals honoured at the awards ceremony, and a sincere thanks to everyone who entered and attended,' Mr Penk says
'Your dedication to building a thriving industry inspires the future generations of Kiwi makers and creators. I look forward to celebrating your achievements again at future Minister for Manufacturing Awards.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Techday NZ
an hour ago
- Techday NZ
Call for urgent business training to help NZ builders' welfare
Marti Amos, a Stewart Island-born business strategist and former Otago University lecturer, is calling for significant changes in the training and support of New Zealand's construction workforce, with particular focus on financial literacy, business systems, and technology adoption. Amos, who is the founder of The Professional Builder, says his experience mentoring more than 2,500 building companies globally has shown that gaps in financial education, systems-based thinking, and modern training are contributing to a mental health crisis in the construction trade. He notes that current challenges are not just operational but are having tangible impacts on workers' well-being. Recent research into the New Zealand construction sector indicates that the industry faces serious mental health challenges, with suicide rates reportedly 25% higher than in other sectors. Elevated risk has been observed among Māori, Pasifika, female, migrant workers, apprentices, and labourers. Contributing factors are listed as financial instability, low pay, and a lack of tailored mental health support. Amos argues that these issues are compounded by what he describes as the industry's "boom-and-bust cycle," the wider cost-of-living crisis, and a training model he believes overemphasises vocational trade skills at the expense of business acumen. "Kiwi tradespeople are trained to excel on-site, they are underprepared to manage the multimillion-dollar business aspects of their work, with dire consequences for their mental wellbeing," Amos said. "Our construction workers account for about 7% of working-age male suicides – with nearly one worker losing his life to suicide each week and the avoidable burden and impact of suicide in the NZ construction industry has been estimated at NZD $1.1 billion per annum." He also points to data showing that the construction sector's annual growth rate fell to just 0.6% in the second quarter of 2024, its lowest in a decade. Amos suggests this stagnation is likely to escalate mental health concerns within the trade. "The New Zealand building industry is seeing its lowest levels of annual growth over a decade with a rate of just 0.6% in the second quarter of 2024 – a factor that is likely to exacerbate mental health concerns for many in the trade," Amos said. He believes that while New Zealand and Australian builders are capable of delivering high-quality construction work and managing teams, they often lack training in business management, which contrasts with the US model where general contractors delegate and spread operational burdens more widely. "Kiwi builders have been taught how to create outstanding projects, they're brilliant with the tools – but no one has taught them how to build a great business. In New Zealand and Australia, builders often employ their own teams and handle every aspect of a project themselves. This contrasts sharply with the U.S. model, where general contractors delegate tasks – reducing the burden on the individual," Amos said. Amos's concerns extend to the impact of poor financial understanding on business owners' personal lives, as many trade professionals struggle with cashflow issues and extended hours. "When you're constantly worrying about how to pay your subcontractors or secure payroll for the next week, it isn't just your business that suffers – it's your whole life," he said. Amos reports a growing international demand for targeted support, reflected in the growth of The Professional Builder, which began with three staff in 2004 and now has 56 employees. The company plans to reach 100 employees in 18 months, with projected revenue of NZD $30 million, and continues its expansion in the US, Canada, the UK, Australia, and New Zealand. New US partnerships are planned, mirroring relationships in New Zealand with Carters, ITM, and Mitre 10. To directly address these challenges, Amos has authored "The Profitable Builders Playbook," a new book aimed at providing construction professionals with the business training required to better navigate the complexities of running a construction company. "At the moment they're stuck on the builder's 'hamster wheel', caught in the weeds of daily operations without the skills to manage the large sums of money and complex challenges that come with running a construction company," Amos said. "What we need is to implement business training into apprenticeship programmes to ensure that our future generations of builders are as adept at managing large-scale financial responsibilities as they are at delivering quality craftsmanship. With a vital sector at risk and the mental health of thousands hanging in the balance, my message is clear: reform is essential." "As New Zealand's construction industry stands at a crossroads, stakeholders must adopt a more balanced training model – one that nurtures not only technical excellence but also financial literacy and sustainable business practices. This call for change is more than an economic imperative; it is a matter of safeguarding the well-being of those who build our nation."
Scoop
4 hours ago
- Scoop
Supermarkets Slammed For Bad Behaviour
Another day, another report that reveals how badly the duopoly supermarkets of Woolworths and Foodstuffs are treating their customers and suppliers to benefit themselves. 'Kiwi consumers deserve so much better than this. We are still paying some of the highest prices on the planet to put food on the table and we have known this for more than three years,' said Grocery Action Group chair Sue Chetwin. Today's report from the Commerce Commission slams the supermarket duopoly sector for the way it treats its suppliers by making unrealistic demands of them and asking them to wear costs the supermarkets should be covering. The Commission also says this is a significant issue for any potential competitors who face an insurmountable battle to get wholesale groceries at a reasonable price. 'The report reveals the supermarkets suppliers are being subsidised by around $5 billion in rebates, discounts and promotional payments. Competitors just cannot compete with that power inbalance. 'It doesn't work for consumers either because prices bounce around so much they no longer know what a fair price might be,' Chetwin said. 'The report shows once again that despite the Commission and the Government calling out this appalling behavour the incumbents continue to treat consumers and suppliers as if they own them,' Chetwin said. 'In many respects they do. Foodstuffs and Woolworths hold more than 80% of the market. This lack of competition means consumers have no to little choice about where they shop.' Grocery Action also notes the large suppliers are complicit in this play because the lack of competition also helps keep their prices high. GAG is concerned improvements to the supply and wholesale codes proposed by the Commission, including prohibiting retaliation against suppliers who assert their rights will not be enough. 'The Commission is asking the duopoly to 'voluntarily' change the wholesale code over the next 12 months – that's like politely asking the greedy to stop being greedy. It won't work. 'We have already seen the duopoly play by its own rules. The industry has been on notice since the Commission released its Supermarket Study in 2022, which said supermarkets were making excessive profits and that a lack of competition meant we were paying some of the highest prices in the world for food, but nothing has changed. 'Hopefully this latest report will assist the Grocery Minister Nicola Willis, to conclude that forced divestment of the supermarkets to allow more competition needs to happen now, not in some distant future. Consumers will thank her.' Grocery Action background The Grocery Action Group was formed to bring down the prices of groceries for all Kiwis. Our vision is to influence government, the regulators and other parties to deliver a competitive and consumer-focused grocery sector in New Zealand. Our board is made up of consumer, industry, supplier and Māori interest experts. For more info visit
Scoop
5 hours ago
- Scoop
Napier Lotto Player Wins $1 Million
4 June 2025 A lucky Lotto player from Napier will be toasting a special win after winning $1 million with Lotto First Division in tonight's live Lotto draw. The winning ticket was sold on MyLotto to a player from Napier. Powerball was not struck this evening and has rolled over to Saturday night, where the jackpot will be $15 million. Meanwhile, a lucky Strike player will also be celebrating after winning $200,000 with Strike Four. The winning Strike ticket was sold at Pak N Save Riccarton in Christchurch. Anyone who bought their ticket from any of the above stores should check their ticket as soon as possible in-store, on MyLotto, or through the MyLottoApp. Lotto NZ exists to return 100% of its profits to Kiwi communities through lottery grants programmes run by Te Puna Tahua NZ Lottery Grants Board.
