There are concerns around having sufficient workforce for the upcoming horticulture season in Central Otago. PHOTO: STEPHEN JAQUIERYManufacturing in Otago and Southland has had its highest result in the latest Performance in Manufacturing Index since November last year. A PMI reading above 50 indicates that manufacturing is generally expanding; below 50 that it is declining. Nationally, New Zealand’s manufacturing sector also showed further expansion, with a seasonally adjusted PMI for July of 58.8. BNZ senior economist Doug Steel said July’s PMI had firmly set up the idea that manufacturing GDP would bounce back strongly in Q3 after what was surely a very large decline in Q2.

Source: Otago Daily Times August 16, 2020 16:30 UTC