---
title: "New Zealand manufacturing activity expands for first time in two years, survey shows"
description: "New Zealand's manufacturing sector has finally emerged from its two-year hibernation, revving up to a PMI of 51.4—proof that even industries can enjoy a fresh start in the new year."
type: "NewsArticle"
publisher: "Daily Maverick"
site: "https://www.dailymaverick.co.za"
section: "MANUFACTURING REBOUNDS"
author: "Reuters"
author_url: "https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/author/reuters/"
canonical_url: "https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2025-02-13-new-zealand-manufacturing-activity-expands-for-first-time-in-two-years-survey-shows/"
published: "2025-02-13T23:57:39"
updated: "2025-02-13T23:57:41"
lang: "en-ZA"
word_count: 122
---

# New Zealand manufacturing activity expands for first time in two years, survey shows

> New Zealand's manufacturing sector has finally emerged from its two-year hibernation, revving up to a PMI of 51.4—proof that even industries can enjoy a fresh start in the new year.

By Reuters · Published 14 February 2025, 01:57 SAST · Updated 14 February 2025, 01:57 SAST

## Key points
- In a delightful twist of fate, New Zealand's manufacturing sector has finally emerged from its two-year hibernation, revving up to a PMI of 51.4—proof that even industries can enjoy a fresh start in the new year.
- New Zealand's manufacturing sector sees growth for the first time in nearly two years, according to a recent survey.
- The Performance of Manufacturing Index (PMI) rose to 51.4 in January, up from 46.2 in December.
- New orders also improved, climbing to 50.9 from 46.8, indicating a shift towards expansion.
- BNZ Senior Economist Doug Steel describes the trend as a "positive start to 2025," signaling a recovery in manufacturing activity.

## Content

SYDNEY, Feb 14 (Reuters) - Manufacturing activity in New Zealand expanded for the first time in nearly two years, with key sub-index results for both production and new orders in positive territory, a survey showed on Friday.

The Bank of New Zealand-Business NZ's seasonally adjusted Performance of Manufacturing Index (PMI) jumped to 51.4 in January from a revised 46.2 in December. New orders rose to 50.9 from 46.8 in the prior month.

A reading above 50 indicates manufacturing activity is expanding, while anything below that threshold points to contraction.

"It's a positive start to 2025, with the manufacturing sector shifting out of reverse and into first gear," BNZ Senior Economist Doug Steel said in a statement.

Reporting by Renju Jose in Sydney;