Otago-Southland’s large 9.9 February gain to 55.9 points went against the national results, which reflected some easing and contraction, down 1.1 points to 52.2 for the month.Points in the BNZ-BusinessNZ manufacturing survey above 50 reflect expansion, and below, contraction.
Otago Southland Employers’ Association chief executive Virginia Nicholls said Otago-Southland’s overall manufacturing activity had showed its first expansion this year and was sitting just below last year’s average of 57.1.
"It’s encouraging to see the manufacturing index return to expansion in our region for the first time this year," she said.
The northern North Island sat on 55.8 points, central North Island 53.6 and Canterbury West Coast on 53.2.
BNZ senior economist Craig Ebert said the national 1.1 point decline to 52.2 from February was the second consecutive decrease in overall expansion levels for 2018.
He said the "weak spot" nationally in March was its production index, which had a seasonally adjusted outcome of 50.8 points, which was "close to stalling".
He noted the flat patch in output was also reflected in the message from manufacturers in the latest NZIER quarterly survey of business opinion.
Mrs Nicholls said in the Southern region, the construction sector was beginning to return to full capacity, following a slow start to the year.
"Some are transitioning to other significant contracts. There is also an increase in associated inquiries, which is positive," she said.
Metal product manufacturers were experiencing steady sales, while suppliers to cafes and restaurants were busy, stocking up for Easter, and to accommodate the extra tourists visited across the region, Mrs Nicholls said.
BusinessNZ’s executive director for manufacturing, Catherine Beard, said the manufacturing story of 2018 continued — it was still showing expansion, but at a different, lower, level to 2017.
Ms Beard said the proportion of positive comments in March, at 55.1%, had picked up from both February (51.4%) and January, (50.7%).
"Those who provided negative comments typically noted a lack of finding the right staff, reduced orders — both domestically and offshore — and general uncertainty in the market."
