The latest BusinessNZ Manufacturing.....>

NEW ZEALAND: The latest BusinessNZ Manufacturing PMI for New Zealand printed at

50.2, with the previous reading revised to 52.7 from 53.0. Below are comments by

BNZ economists:

- "As a growth risk indicator it may not be flashing bright red just yet, but it

is moving in that direction in taking on a darker shade of amber," said BNZ

senior economist Doug Steel. Steel also said the "PMI sends a warning signal for

near-term growth via its mix of falling production, near flat new orders, and

rising inventory."

- "Production was at its lowest value since April 2012, while the other key

sub-index of new orders only just managed to stay in positive territory. Given

the latter feeds through into the former, it does not instill a strong belief

that the sector will show solid improvement over the next few months," said

Catherine Beard, BusinessNZ's executive director for manufacturing.