New surveys show National’s plan is working
National’s plan to fix and grow the economy is working, with two new independent surveys out today showing growth in the manufacturing and construction sectors.
The BNZ - BusinessNZ Performance of Manufacturing Index (PMI) for September came in at 56.5, comfortably above the survey's long-term average of 52.5. A reading above 50.0 shows the sector is expanding.
“The result shows manufacturing has now had 15 consecutive months in expansion, despite global headwinds including the fuel crisis,” National’s Economic Growth spokesperson Nicola Willis says.
“The survey also shows employment is back in expansion at 51.8, suggesting firms are feeling more confident about hiring.
“That is good news for our overall economic recovery and shows National’s plan is working. It also shows why New Zealand cannot afford a Labour coalition that would cancel Investment Boost and introduce at least nine new taxes, which would unwind the progress we are making.”
National’s Infrastructure spokesperson Chris Bishop says a separate survey showing growing positivity in New Zealand’s construction sector is further proof that National’s plan is working.
The EBOSS 2026 Builder and Architect Sentiment Reports point to recovery in the construction sector, with growing confidence about the future pipeline of work.
Net sentiment among architects and designers about new project starts has swung from -21 in 2025 to +8 in 2026, while average forward workloads have lifted for the first time since 2022, from 6.4 to 7.2 months. Builder sentiment is also improving and the proportion of builders reporting project cancellations has almost halved from 21 per cent to 11 per cent.
“This is positive news for builders, tradies, architects, designers, construction businesses and the wider economy,” Mr Bishop says.
“Our Government has strengthened the construction and infrastructure pipelines through Fast Track, planning and building reforms, better funding and financing, and investment in roads, schools, hospitals and other infrastructure New Zealand needs.
“These reforms are giving businesses greater certainty to invest, hire staff, and take on apprentices, while making it easier and more affordable to build.
“Meanwhile, Labour is proposing a 28 per cent Capital Gains Tax on investment properties and commercial buildings, with no specific exemption for people investing in new-build homes. That will make it harder to get new projects off the ground.
“Developers often need buyers lined up before banks will finance construction. But Labour’s Capital Gains Tax would make those pre-sales harder to secure, stalling projects and leaving builders and tradies waiting for work.
“New Zealand cannot afford to lose momentum through more delays, uncertainty, and new taxes. That would hurt our entire economic recovery. That’s why we need to stick with the plan that is working. Party vote National.”
