Commendation for Gisborne's Dmitry Carruthers at Minister for Manufacturing Awards

Dmitry Carruthers (second right) received a Judges' Commendation at the inaugural Minister for Manufacturing Awards. He is pictured with Stephen Armstrong, NZ Product Accelerator chairman, Jalaine Armstrong and Steve Wilson, 43 Solutions director.
Gisborne Engineering general manager Dmitry Carruthers received a Judges' Commendation at the inaugural Minister for Manufacturing Awards.
The awards celebrate excellence and innovation within New Zealand's manufacturing sector.
Carruthers, 23, was a finalist in the excellence in manufacturing leadership category.
Judges said he was a young man on the path

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Otago Daily Times

12-06-2025

• Otago Daily Times

Young apprentice finalist at industry awards ceremony

Temuka apprentice Kate Cooper has been identified as a strong example of the progress being made in the manufacturing industry. Miss Cooper,22, was named a finalist in this year's Minister for Manufacturing Awards for apprentice of the year. The awards were held in Christchurch last month. Advanced Manufacturing Aotearoa chief executive officer Catherine Lye said the judges were inspired by the calibre of entries and finalists. She said Miss Cooper stood out to the judges as a strong example of the progress being made in the industry. "As the youngest of our finalists, Kate stood out for her professionalism, maturity, and technical aptitude. "She is highly regarded by her team and has quickly developed a deep understanding of complex operations. "Her commitment to learning and improvement is evident, and she demonstrates the qualities of a future leader in manufacturing." Site manager Kelvin Weir praised Miss Cooper's performance, noting her confidence, maturity, and values-driven approach. "Kate shows real dedication to safety, leadership, and continuous improvement. "She's a fantastic ambassador for Pact and for the future of manufacturing in New Zealand." Mr Weir said the nomination highlighted her mechanical aptitude, commitment to continuous improvement, and ability to lead by example on the factory floor. Miss Cooper had quickly developed technical skills, solved problems hands-on, and grasped continuous improvement principles during her apprenticeship. He said Miss Cooper's drive and humility had made her a role model for others in the business. Pact Packaging New Zealand was also celebrating being named a finalist for Plastics New Zealand Training Company of the Year. The company has doubled its vocational training participation across 10 sites, with 63 learners enrolled in qualifications ranging from plastics processing to mechanical engineering. Miss Cooper said she loved her job. "Every day is different, there's always new challenges to solve. It's taught me how to identify problems and work together with the rest of the team to create continuous improvement. "It's great being able to learn on the job and have no student loan." Miss Cooper appreciated the opportunity become qualified while working. "I feel like once I complete my apprenticeship, I will have a lot of options. "Getting qualified means I can progress in my career here or even work overseas. "To anyone considering an apprenticeship in manufacturing, I would say go for it. Take any opportunity given to you, even if it's scary at first. You never know where it may take you." — APL

NZ Herald

06-06-2025

• NZ Herald

Commendation for Gisborne's Dmitry Carruthers at Minister for Manufacturing Awards

Dmitry Carruthers (second right) received a Judges' Commendation at the inaugural Minister for Manufacturing Awards. He is pictured with Stephen Armstrong, NZ Product Accelerator chairman, Jalaine Armstrong and Steve Wilson, 43 Solutions director. Gisborne Engineering general manager Dmitry Carruthers received a Judges' Commendation at the inaugural Minister for Manufacturing Awards. The awards celebrate excellence and innovation within New Zealand's manufacturing sector. Carruthers, 23, was a finalist in the excellence in manufacturing leadership category. Judges said he was a young man on the path

Scoop

29-05-2025

• Scoop

Excellence Celebrated At First-Ever Minister For Manufacturing Awards

Press Release – New Zealand Government Manufacturing fuels the economy by contributing over 8.4 percent to New Zealands GDP, generating more than 250,000 jobs and reinforcing our position as a global competitor, Minister for Small Business and Manufacturing Chris Penk says. Minister for Small Business and Manufacturing Exceptional Kiwi businesses and outstanding individuals who are driving industry productivity, innovation and job creation have been honoured at New Zealand's inaugural Minister for Manufacturing Awards. 'Manufacturing fuels the economy by contributing over 8.4 percent to New Zealand's GDP, generating more than 250,000 jobs and reinforcing our position as a global competitor,' Minister for Small Business and Manufacturing Chris Penk says. 'The 2025 Minister for Manufacturing Awards celebrated the prosperity this industry drives and most importantly, the outstanding people behind it.' Held yesterday evening at Christchurch's premier industry showcase, SouthMACH, the event was hosted by Mr Penk in collaboration with Advancing Manufacturing Aotearoa. 'The calibre of finalists and winners reflects the strength and diversity of New Zealand's manufacturing sector – from suppliers of sustainably harvested timber, to developers of ground-breaking recycling technologies and producers of life-saving medical equipment,' Mr Penk says. 'These businesses are led by innovative thinkers and powered by skilled, hard-working Kiwis. Their success is something we can all take pride in and shows that manufacturing will continue to play a significant role in shaping New Zealand into a world-class economy.' The awards recognise excellence across four key categories. The winners are: Manufacturing Apprentice of the Year supported by Enztec: Michael Vitale – Pacific Steel Michael is working towards his Mechanical Engineering apprenticeship through Competenz at Pacific Steel. His early completion of theory components and impressive focus on health and safety in example projects shows remarkable dedication, and his success has encouraged the company to open apprenticeships to other operations employees. Excellence in Manufacturing Leadership supported by Lawson Williams Consulting: Nathan Hay – Argus ManuTech Nathan Hay is a passionate manufacturing leader who has championed technology adoption, grown the workforce and empowered his team through focused upskilling. Mr Hays has led impactful partnerships, including med-tech ventures with MARS Bioimaging, that highlight how progressive manufacturing can drive positive social and environmental outcomes. Excellence in Process Innovation supported by Swell Group: Breadcraft Wairarapa Ltd Breadcraft Wairarapa is a fourth-generation artisan bakery that's been proudly baking in Masterton since 1942. Through innovative brands like Rebel Bakehouse, they're combining tradition, sustainability and creativity to lead New Zealand's baking evolution. Manufacturer of the Year supported by BNZ: Douglas Pharmaceuticals Douglas Pharmaceuticals specialises in high-barrier prescription medicines, produced in FDA and TGA-certified GMP facilities. They have grown from a family business into a people-focused industry leader that is continually innovating and delivering strong financial results. Douglas Pharmaceuticals sets the benchmark for NewZealand manufacturing and is a worthy recipient of this award. 'I offer my heartfelt congratulations to the outstanding businesses and individuals honoured at the awards ceremony, and a sincere thanks to everyone who entered and attended,' Mr Penk says 'Your dedication to building a thriving industry inspires the future generations of Kiwi makers and creators. I look forward to celebrating your achievements again at future Minister for Manufacturing Awards.'