Manufacturing in New Zealand holds its own, and in many cases thriving, despite a difficult trading year and ongoing global headwinds. Export-focused manufacturers have shown real resilience, and that resilience is starting to show up in the numbers. 

"Kiwi manufacturers have proven time and time again that they can hold their own on the world stage," says Jason Boot, Division Manager, Warehousing, Production & Manufacturing Trades at Stellar Recruitment. "Having an innovative product is one thing, but sustainable success comes from consistently delivering quality, backing your brand, and building trust with customers. In highly competitive international markets, reliability and reputation are everything." 

A Wave of International Investment 

That trust is being tested and validated in a very concrete way. In the third quarter of 2025 alone, 52 manufacturing deals were announced, a 41% increase on the same period the year before, with buyers coming from France, Ireland, the United States, Japan, South Korea, Switzerland, Australia and Sri Lanka. Auckland has felt this impact directly. 

Boot sees it less as a threat and more as recognition of what these businesses have achieved. "When an international company is willing to invest in a New Zealand manufacturer, it's a sign they've built something valuable," he says. "These aren't businesses being picked apart. They're companies that have proven they can compete on a global scale through quality, innovation, and strong leadership. International interest is often a reflection of the reputation and capability they've worked hard to build." 

The data backs that reading. Rather than the jobs and IP losses often assumed, most of these deals have maintained or grown local employment with staff being retained and even continuing to expand into new premises. 

Acquisitions have also brought fresh capital, greater access to global markets, and faster innovation for the businesses involved. Not every deal lands the same way, of course. Some acquisitions have seen production shift offshore, and a clear pattern has emerged where manufacturers with a genuinely specialised, hard-to-replicate niche are far more likely to survive and grow under new ownership than those making more generic, easily relocated goods. 

Growing Confidence Puts Talent Centre Stage 

As confidence builds, a different pressure is emerging: finding and developing the people to sustain it. "One thing we're hearing consistently from Auckland manufacturers is that the work is there, but finding skilled people is becoming more challenging," says Boot. "Businesses are having to think beyond simply filling vacancies. The focus is shifting towards attracting the right people, developing their skills, and creating an environment where they want to stay long term. The companies investing in their workforce today will be in the strongest position for future growth." 

While manufacturing growth is occurring across New Zealand, Auckland remains a critical hub for advanced manufacturing, food production, fabrication, logistics and export-focused businesses. As employers look to secure future talent, industry initiatives are beginning to gain momentum, including the Manufacturing Passport Programme, which is expanding into Auckland after successful pilots elsewhere in the country. 

At a national level, government policy is moving in the same direction. Nine new industry-led subjects are being introduced for Years 12–13 as part of the new National Curriculum, designed to build clearer pathways into further study, training, apprenticeships and employment. 

Two are directly relevant to the sector: Engineering Technology and Next-Gen Manufacturing, with Next-Gen Manufacturing covering advanced and high-tech manufacturing, machinery and equipment, food and beverage production, and metals, plastics and materials processing, and built in partnership with the Manufacturing & Engineering Industry Skills Board. 

The timeline however is a long one. Year 12 students access the new subjects from 2029, with school-leavers entering work, training and further study from 2031, but it signals sustained commitment to the pipeline. 

"There's a lot to be optimistic about for the future of manufacturing and engineering in New Zealand," says Boot. "However, businesses can't afford to sit back and wait for the next generation of talent to appear. We need to be engaging with schools, creating pathways into the industry, and giving young people exposure to the opportunities available. Manufacturing isn't just a job, it's a career with real prospects for those willing to learn and develop their skills." 

Where Stellar Recruitment Fits In 

For manufacturers navigating both sides of this story, attracting investment while building the workforce needed to support future growth, the challenge is clear: securing skilled talent today while developing the talent pipeline for tomorrow. 

Stellar Recruitment partners with businesses across New Zealand to recruit warehouse staff, production operators, manufacturing tradespeople, supervisors, technical specialists and engineering professionals. 

"The businesses that will be best positioned for growth over the next decade are the ones investing in their people today," says Boot. "Whether that's bringing in experienced talent, developing apprentices, or creating opportunities for people entering the industry, workforce planning is no longer a nice-to-have. It's a critical part of any business's long-term success." 

Whether you need warehouse staff, production operators, manufacturing tradespeople or technical specialists, Jason Boot and Stellar Recruitment's Manufacturing team can help you build the talent pipeline needed to support growth.