About the Manufacturing & Operations Industry in New Zealand
The Manufacturing sector in New Zealand makes up 12% of New Zealand’s economy. The sector experienced decline since 2007, however in the last 5 years it has maintained growth.
New Zealand has a small open market economy. The history and current structure of manufacturing in New Zealand has been shaped by its geographical distance from its neighbouring trading partners, its generally good climate, small population and relatively large geographical area.
Our distance to markets initially constrained our manufacturing into producing commodity products that were easier to transport in bulk.
More recently, our export economy has diversified into a wider range of products due to the impacts of globalisation, the reduced cost of transport and investment in new technologies. For example, instead of exporting bulk ingredients our food industry is now able to produce and export value-added products.
Food and Beverage manufacturing is the largest subsector, contributing 32%. This sector has driven the growth of Manufacturing employment in New Zealand since 2013.
Growth and Demand in the Manufacturing Industry
Manufacturing is a large employer and has shown significant growth in employment since 2013. The largest region for manufacturing is Auckland where over a third of firms are based. This is followed by Waikato/Bay of Plenty and Canterbury.
Our manufacturing sector is made up largely of small businesses. There are only 300 manufacturing companies with more than 100 staff. One third of these are in the Food and Beverage sector and 51 are in the machinery and equipment sector.
More recently, manufacturing has seen the emergence of technology exporters in the medium and high tech sectors and on the whole, the industry is trending towards becoming increasingly digitized and automated.
Featured Jobs
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CNC Operator
City:
Napier / Hastings
Job Type:
Temporary
Date:
23/09/2025
CNC Operator
Pay Rate: $35–$37 per hour
Are you an experienced CNC Operator looking for your next opportunity? We’re seeking a skilled operator to join our team, working on moulding for framework in a busy and rewarding environment.
What you’ll be doing:
Operating CNC machinery with a focus on moulding for framework
Reading and interpreting technical drawings
Ensuring accuracy, quality, and efficiency in production
Maintaining machinery and following health & safety procedures
What we’re looking for:
Proven CNC operating experience
Strong attention to detail and accuracy
Ability to …..
Drillers offsider
City:
Otago / Southland
Job Type:
Temporary
Date:
#N/A
Are you looking for an entry level role in the Mining Industry?
We have a position available for a Field Technician (Drillers off-sider) at Macraes goldmine. A field technicians role is labour intensive, involves repetitive lifting of sample trays (can be up to 10kg at a time) throughout their shift and a safety conscious attitude (there are a lot of operating procedures to adhere to while on site). The ideal candidate is comfortable doing both day and night shift, working in all weather conditions (field techs are out there 24/7, rain, hail or sun) and getting their hands dirty.
This is a g…..
Devanner
City:
Christchurch
Job Type:
Temporary
Date:
9/10/2025
Calling all Devanners !!
Immediate Start next week!!!
We are eagerly looking for the right people to fill several roles.
Our client operates a high volume and very fast paced South Island Distribution Centre in Rolleston . These roles are critical to ensuring our clients customers receive their products on time.
What we can offer you:
Fabricator/ Welder
City:
Hawkes Bay / Gisborne
Job Type:
Full Time
Date:
#N/A
Canvas Fabricator – Napier, Hawke's Bay Are you a master of materials? Love crafting with your hands?
Turn your talent into a fulfilling career with one of Napier’s leading canvas fabrication teams!
The Role We’re on the lookout for a skilled Canvas Fabricator to join a tight-knit, hardworking crew dedicated to producing high-quality canvas and PVC solutions. From awnings and shade sails to custom-made canvas designs, no two days are the same.
You’ll be:
Cutting, sewing, welding, and assembling canvas and PVC products
Operating high-frequency welding machines (experience essential)
Creat…..