Manufacturing

Manufacturing in Otago bucked a national dip in activity for October, with local production and new orders underpinning a third consecutive strong result.

Australia has provided stability for New Zealand manufacturers during the current volatility in world financial markets.

Manufacturing activity in Otago and Southland slumped to 41.3 points in June from 58.4 points in the same month last year, the latest BNZ-Business NZ performance in manufacturing index results show.

Otago-Southland continues to lead the way in regional manufacturing performance, which nationally booked a fourth consecutive month of expansion last month.

Manufacturing activity in Otago and Southland during December remained buoyant and the sector can take heart after showing positive signs for steady expansion during 2011.

Otago-Southland manufacturers led the country in activity last month (November) according to the latest BNZ-Business NZ performance in manufacturing index.

Manufacturing in Otago-Southland has swung from contraction to expansion but nationally the index remains flat, with losses generally cancelling out gains.

Manufacturing in Otago during September reflected the national and international trends of "flat" activity for the period.

A survey of manufacturing activity showed a 20 percent rise in sales in August from a year earlier, with much of the growth from manufacturers exporting to Australia and Asia.

Manufacturing nationally has returned a flat result for August, with Otago and Southland dipping, following four months of positive gains.