Business News & Articles
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New Zealand Manufacturing Grows 14 Months Straight with Broad Industry Expansion
10 Sep 2026 | 1 week ago | 216 viewsNew Zealand's manufacturing sector has expanded for 14 consecutive months, with growth spreading across all main industry groups and regions, as reflected in the BNZ-BusinessNZ Performance of Manufacturing Index (PMI) reading of 53.1 for August. Increased new orders and solid production indicate positive momentum, supported by government initiatives like the Investment Boost to enhance productivity. Despite global uncertainties, New Zealand manufacturers are outperforming major economies, contributing significantly to employment, GDP, and exports while receiving strong governmental support.
Tags: Cameron Brewer Doug Steel BNZ BusinessNZ New Zealand manufacturing sector Small Business and Manufacturing Minister Manufacturing Index Kiwi manufacturers Investment BoostLower Overseas Investment Fees Boost Growth and Jobs in New Zealand
09 Sep 2026 | 2 weeks ago | 218 viewsThe New Zealand Government is reducing Overseas Investment fees and streamlining application processes to attract more international capital, aiming to boost business growth, productivity, and high-paying jobs. From September 2026, fees for national interest assessments will significantly decrease, and assessment times have already been halved, with most investments now approved within days. Additionally, Land Information New Zealand (LINZ) can waive or refund fees in exceptional cases, enhancing fairness while maintaining safeguards to unlock New Zealand’s economic potential.
Tags: New Zealand Overseas Investment Mr Seymour LINZ Government Investment Fees National Interest Test Productivity Foreign Investment Land Information New ZealandNew Zealand Cuts Red Tape to Boost Hospitality Sector Growth and Recovery
09 Sep 2026 | 2 weeks ago | 232 viewsMinisters David Seymour and Louise Upston have announced the completion of the Ministry for Regulation’s Hospitality Sector Review, aiming to reduce red tape and simplify regulations to help hospitality businesses open and operate more easily. The review identified issues such as duplicated information requests, lengthy decision times, inefficient licensing processes, high fees, and disproportionate regulatory barriers, which have hindered the sector’s recovery post-Covid. Moving forward, the government will decide which recommendations to implement and develop a Hospitality Action Plan to coordinate efforts across agencies, supporting the $21.4 billion industry that employs over 193,000 people.
Tags: David Seymour Louise Upston Ministry for Regulation Hospitality Sector Review New Zealand Covid food truck alcohol licensing food safety Hospitality Action PlanFree Government Food Safety Courses Help Thousands of Food Business Staff
07 Sep 2026 | 2 weeks ago | 224 viewsThe Government’s free online Food Safety Basics training modules have benefited thousands of food business staff, with the third module on maintaining a food safe workplace now available. Developed with industry input, the course covers key topics like cleaning, pest control, and waste management, and aims to simplify food safety while saving businesses money on costly training. Additionally, recent government changes have reduced regulatory burdens and costs for various food businesses, supporting a more efficient and consistent food safety system nationwide.
Tags: Andrew Hoggard Food Safety Government Food Safety Basics Restaurant Association Hospitality NZ Food Business Online Training Hygiene Food Safety MinisterTaranaki Alliance Boosted by $3M Grant to Secure $100M+ Contracts
07 Sep 2026 | 2 weeks ago | 220 viewsThe Taranaki Alliance, supported by a $3 million Regional Infrastructure Fund grant, aims to help local firms secure over $100 million in contracts within three years, aiding economic diversification away from the declining oil and gas sector. The initiative, led by Te Puna Umanga Venture Taranaki and local partners, will coordinate collaboration among engineering, manufacturing, and technical firms to pursue large-scale national and international projects. With strong regional support and over 85 firms interested, the Alliance seeks to build a commercially sustainable model that enhances bid coordination, compliance, and regional economic representation.
Tags: Shane Jones Taranaki Alliance Te Puna Umanga Venture Taranaki Methanex New Plymouth District Council Venture Taranaki Regional Development Minister Coalition Government Regional Infrastructure Fund oil and gas sectorNew Zealand Advances Digital and OTC Medicine Labelling to Boost Exports
06 Sep 2026 | 2 weeks ago | 251 viewsRegulation Minister David Seymour announced the completion of the Ministry for Regulation’s Product Labelling Review, aiming to ease export and import challenges by updating digital labelling standards and aligning over-the-counter (OTC) medicine labels with Australia. The government will develop a national digital labelling standard to reduce costs and support export growth, while changes to OTC medicine labelling will increase product availability and attract international companies. These reforms are expected to generate significant economic benefits by cutting red tape, lowering compliance costs, and unlocking New Zealand’s economic potential.
Tags: David Seymour Ministry for Regulation Product Labelling Review Kiwi exporters digital labelling OTC medicines New Zealand international markets red tape economic growthNew Zealand and Australia Boost Single Economic Market with New Trade Initiatives
04 Sep 2026 | 2 weeks ago | 281 viewsNew Zealand and Australia have accelerated efforts towards a more ambitious Single Economic Market by enhancing economic integration, regulatory alignment, and coordinated trade engagement. Key initiatives include a new Trans-Tasman business-government collaboration program, a 30 percent increase in joint standards, and cooperation on regional trade agreements. Additionally, a Trade Mission to Brisbane was announced to help New Zealand businesses capitalize on procurement opportunities related to the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Tags: Todd McClay Don Farrell New Zealand Australia Single Economic Market Closer Economic Relations Australia New Zealand Leadership Forum Standards New Zealand Standards Australia Brisbane 2032 Olympic GamesGovernment Invests $3.4M to Boost Māori Enterprises, Jobs, and Exports
04 Sep 2026 | 2 weeks ago | 221 viewsThe New Zealand Government is investing over $3.4 million through the Māori Development Fund to support three Māori enterprises in creating jobs, expanding exports, and fostering long-term prosperity across sectors like green hydrogen, apple orchards, and premium wine. These investments aim to enhance Māori asset productivity, increase export revenue, and generate economic benefits for whānau, local suppliers, and regions, reflecting the Government’s commitment to backing Māori ambition. Administered by Te Puni Kōkiri, the fund aligns with the Going for Growth with Māori economic plan and has an annual budget of $38.21 million from July 2026 to help overcome growth barriers and build sustainable wealth for future generations.
Tags: Tama Potaka Halcyon Power Tūaropaki Trust Obayashi Corporation Ngāti Pāhauwera Tiraki Māori Development Fund Te Puni Kōkiri Mōkai RaupungaNZ Tourism Minister Welcomes New Hospitality Report to Boost Sector Success
02 Sep 2026 | 3 weeks ago | 259 viewsTourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston welcomes a new industry report outlining 48 practical recommendations to support New Zealand's hospitality sector, acknowledging progress made since the 2024 Hospitality Summit. The Government has collaborated closely with the sector through various initiatives and will develop a Hospitality Action Plan to coordinate priority efforts across multiple agencies and portfolios. This plan aims to remove growth barriers, support businesses and workers, and strengthen the sector’s contribution to the economy through ongoing partnership with industry stakeholders.
Tags: Louise Upston Hospitality New Zealand Restaurant Association of New Zealand Tourism Policy Statement Hospitality Summit Michelin Guide Hospitality Action Plan New Zealand Government Hospitality Regulatory Review Tourism and HospitalityTrans-Tasman Trade and Tourism Ministers Meet to Boost NZ-Australia Partnership
02 Sep 2026 | 3 weeks ago | 281 viewsTrade and Investment Minister Todd McClay will host Australian Trade and Tourism Minister Don Farrell in Auckland for the annual Closer Economic Relations Trade Ministers meeting and discussions with trans-Tasman businesses to strengthen economic ties. In 2025, two-way trade between New Zealand and Australia reached $35 billion, with Australia being New Zealand's largest export destination and international visitor market. The visit will also include talks on tourism growth, Māori tourism, and regional economic development to enhance collaboration between the two countries.
Tags: Todd McClay Don Farrell Louise Upston Trade Ministers Closer Economic Relations Australia New Zealand Leadership Forum tourism growth Māori tourism regional economic developmentTrans-Tasman Trade and Tourism Ministers Meet to Strengthen NZ-Australia Partnership
02 Sep 2026 | 3 weeks ago | 327 viewsTrade and Investment Minister Todd McClay will host Australian Trade and Tourism Minister Don Farrell in Auckland for the annual Closer Economic Relations Trade Ministers meeting and discussions with trans-Tasman businesses to strengthen the partnership. Their 2025 two-way trade reached $35 billion, with Australia as New Zealand’s largest export destination and visitor market, highlighting the importance of maintaining strong economic and tourism links. Minister Farrell will also meet with Tourism Minister Louise Upston and participate in a Bay of Islands program focused on Māori tourism and regional economic development.
Tags: Todd McClay Don Farrell Louise Upston Closer Economic Relations trade ministers Australia New Zealand Leadership Forum tourism growth Māori tourism regional economic developmentTourism 2050 Strategy Unveiled to Boost New Zealand’s Future Tourism Growth
27 Aug 2026 | 4 weeks ago | 332 viewsTourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston has welcomed Tourism Industry Aotearoa's Tourism 2050 strategy, highlighting its role in guiding the future of tourism amid upcoming challenges and opportunities. She emphasized the strategy’s alignment with the Government's Tourism Policy Statement, which aims for sustainable growth benefiting visitors, communities, and the economy. Upston expressed support for ongoing collaboration between the government, industry, and communities to ensure the tourism sector's long-term success through innovation and balanced development.
Tags: Louise Upston Tourism Industry Aotearoa Tourism 2050 Tourism Policy Statement New Zealand tourism strategy TIA tourism growth regional prosperity AI in tourismGovernment Funds Additional Growth Advisor to Support Hawke's Bay Businesses Through 2027
18 Aug 2026 | 1 month ago | 373 viewsThe Government is funding an additional Growth Advisor at the Hawke's Bay Chamber of Commerce through June 2027 to provide hands-on support for local business owners recovering from Cyclone Gabrielle. This advisor will offer practical guidance on planning, growth opportunities, and decision-making, helping businesses navigate ongoing challenges and access regional resources. The initiative aims to strengthen Hawke's Bay's productive economy by ensuring small businesses receive timely, local expertise to rebuild and succeed.
Tags: Cameron Brewer Karla Lee Katie Nimon Catherine Wedd Hawke's Bay Cyclone Gabrielle Growth Advisor Regional Business Partner Network Small Business Hawke's Bay Chamber of CommerceGovernment Ends ‘Offensive Trades’ Registration, Saving Businesses Time and Money
14 Aug 2026 | 1 month ago | 371 viewsThe Government is abolishing the ‘offensive trades’ registration under the 1956 Health Act to reduce unnecessary compliance costs and save businesses time and money. This change, supported by Ministers David Seymour and Simeon Brown, recognizes that modern environmental and industry-specific regulations sufficiently manage these trades, making annual registrations obsolete. The reform is expected to save up to $2.26 million over 10 years and reflects ongoing efforts by the Ministry for Regulation to cut red tape and improve productivity.
Tags: David Seymour Simeon Brown Government Health Act 1956 offensive trades Regulation Minister Ministry of Regulation Red Tape Tipline business compliance local councilsKiwi Businesses Save Time Accessing $400M Government Grants with New Funding Explorer
06 Aug 2026 | 1 month ago | 395 viewsThe upgraded Funding Explorer, launched by the New Zealand government, consolidates 15 funding opportunities from seven agencies into a single searchable platform, enabling businesses to quickly find relevant grants and support. This tool addresses previous fragmentation and navigation difficulties, allowing businesses to search by sector or objective, such as commercializing ideas or boosting productivity. The initiative, praised by industry leaders, aims to reduce time spent on government paperwork, fostering more investment, job creation, and stronger exports.
Tags: Cameron Brewer Catherine Lye Funding Explorer Small Business Manufacturing business grants government agencies Advancing Manufacturing Aotearoa business funding business.govt.nz