P U B L I S H E R ’ S D E S K THE TIME FOR A MINISTER OF MANUFACTURING IS NOW www.engineeringnews.co.nz 5 It is not often I have the chance to add content to our magazines, hardly a role for an ex-advertising salesman used to writing compelling copy. However, our Editor Greg Robertson is currently taking care of his wife and partner who is seriously ill with cancer and needs to be there with her while they do battle with the illness. In his absence, I have set out to add some value, via this editorial, to this December NZ Engineering News Yearbook and Directory. Reading the content of this issue, I am totally amazed by the quality of products being manufactured here in New Zealand by people from good Kiwi engineering businesses. We have selected 50 from hundreds of engineering businesses that were recommended. We have also included 54 of our industry leaders… just some of the people who are making a difference to the manufacturing sector and, in most cases, the engineering industries. The directory is both in print and online, and is a EN129 source of information created to make your work life a little easier. The economic effect our industry has on this country is substantial, and should be acknowledged and supported by this Government. It therefore astounds me that we do not have a Minister of Manufacturing…a person at Government level who works tirelessly for the good of Kiwi manufacturers, who is on your side and knows the value you have created for New Zealand every day of your working life. It is good to see the Greens using this concept, and I hope they are in a position next election whereby they can use this as a bargaining tool for their support, or that Labour and National listen to our sector and support a new Ministry. 2017 Direction I have on my computer screensaver a photo taken of Mars from 10 metres. It is mainly rocks and dirt, with mountains in the background. We interviewed a Professor earlier this year who prophesised that we will send robots and 3D printers to Mars - the robots will mine the material and feed it to the 3D printers which will manufacture components for further robots and 3D printers until we have a workforce and manufacturing capability to build structure to enable humans to survive up there. Robots and 3D printers will be featured in future issues of our magazine both print and digital versions. We will also be researching and publishing as many case studies, interviews and machinery updates we can find, and we are making provision for you to respond and interact with our digital edition, Facebook and website. We all wish you all a restful time over the holidays and a very prosperous year ahead in 2017. Regards Andy Hobbs Managing Director
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