A stronger metals sector means a stronger New Zealand economy
Metals NZ‘s board representatives met with Cameron Brewer, Minister for Manufacturing and Small Business, and handed over the Metals NZ 2026 Manifesto.
It was a valuable discussion, with the Minister hearing directly from across the steel, aluminium, stainless steel and metals recycling supply chain.
Our sector employs around 30,000 New Zealanders and contributes approximately $4 billion to the economy every year, providing the materials that underpin our homes, infrastructure, transport networks, energy system and manufacturing base.
The Manifesto is not simply a list of industry requests. It sets out six practical priorities for government and industry to work together to lift productivity, strengthen domestic manufacturing and support economic growth:
- Competitive and reliable energy
- A circular economy
- Fair trade and a level playing field
- Smarter government procurement and standards
- Investment in R&D and innovation
- Supporting New Zealand’s critical minerals strategy
Thank you to Minister Brewer for his time and willingness to engage directly with the sector. Metals NZ will continue to be a constructive dialogue partner with government and industry in strengthening New Zealand’s economic and manufacturing capability.