New Zealand's economy grew 0.8% in the March 2026 quarter, with manufacturing providing the most substantial boost to GDP during the period.
The manufacturing sector expanded 1.9% in the quarter, led by transport equipment, machinery and equipment manufacturing, which posted 4.0% growth.
Small Business and Manufacturing Minister Cameron Brewer said the sector had emerged as the economy's primary growth engine in the quarter. "Manufacturing was the largest contributor to economic growth in the March quarter. That tells you just how much this sector matters to New Zealand," Brewer said.
Brewer pointed to companies including Dawn Aerospace, Rocket Lab, Fisher and Paykel Healthcare, and specialist component manufacturers as delivering the expansion. His Manufacturing Productivity Advisory Group has reported strong forward orders.
The sector contributes around 8% of GDP and employs more than 220,000 people. The Government's Investment Boost scheme allows businesses to deduct a portion of new capital investment upfront for machinery and equipment purchases.