transforming productivity for SMEs
unlock your business’s potential with a research-backed approach
new zealand’s productivity has lagged significantly behind our OECD peers since the 1990’s. research from the nz institute for economic research highlighted for us just to match the economic output of the most productive nation, ireland, we need to work an extra 11 hours a day!
this persistent issue hampers our nation’s economic growth, ability to innovate & overall competitiveness. low productivity restricts job creation, reduces income levels & limits investment in new technologies.
as the engine room of our economy, SMEs employ 51% of new zealand's workforce. with the proper support, these businesses can be a catalyst to lift our national productivity & associated economic benefits.
our research provides a strategic framework to empower SMEs, aiming to transform challenges into opportunities for sustainable growth. imagine a future where new zealand's productivity not only meets but exceeds global standards, driving prosperity and reducing work hours while maintaining competitive earnings.
empowering SMEs to reach their full potential is an economic imperative & a pathway to a prosperous & innovative New Zealand.
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and receive a copy of the research report “boosting productivity in New Zealand SMEs” by david altena, as featured by the National Business Review
New Zealand has a well-documented history of low productivity relative to other OECD nations, a challenge that has persisted since the 1990s. This report delves into the enablers and constraints to productivity in Small and Medium Enterprises, informed by comprehensive research and interviews with B2B professional service leaders. It outlines seven key themes for enhancing productivity in New Zealand SMEs, presents a detailed productivity framework, and introduces a three-phase roadmap for practical implementation. These insights are designed to help SMEs overcome historical productivity challenges and drive sustainable growth.
don’t want to provide your personal details? the report is also available on
your business’s potential
you’ve already taken a bold step, running your own business, driven by a vision and backed by your unique skills & knowledge.
despite the challenges & struggles, you've built something sustainable & grown a dedicated team around you.
now, imagine accelerating your journey with expert guidance, turning your aspirations into reality with greater speed and ease.
but we’ve been held back
since the 1990s, new zealand has grappled with persistently low productivity.
this impacts our standards of living, ability to innovate, achieve higher growth & overall competitiveness.
our research indicates recognising this is the first step & through decisive & impactful action it’s possible to transform this challenge into individual business & then national success.
you're not alone in this struggle & we have the insights to help you get to a whole new level.
we understand your challenges
new zealand SMEs have some unique hurdles.
with a research-backed approach, you will receive practical & actionable solutions tailored to your needs & deliver strategic benefits.
we focus on key areas: leadership & management capabilities, customer centricity, innovation, operational excellence & leveraging a network of specialists to support you to boost productivity while driving sustainable growth
a plan grounded in research
our productivity framework & AAA roadmap guide you through three critical phases to boost productivity:
awareness: gain a clear understanding of what to measure & learn how your productivity levels are trending
adoption: build a solid leadership foundation using a combination of strategic planning & best practices.
acceleration: implement distributed leadership, engage your team members & foster a culture of continuous improvement & innovation
stay tuned for more
established in 2013 & with over 400 members, the region served by north west country business association is auckland’s playground for discovery, culture, creativity, adventure, fine food & wine.
a selection of businesses has been identified to explore the implications & opportunities of applying this research to member organisations interested in making productivity improvement an organisational priority.
academic endorsements
the productivity framework & AAA roadmap, developed through an MBA research project has received a high level of feedback from leading academics from the university of waikato:
“An excellent report, which makes both practical and academic contributions by way of a framework for increasing productivity in SMEs in NZ (and elsewhere).” – Associate Professor Joanna Scott-Kennel
“The literature review; the interview findings and the productivity framework that emerges from the study have the potential to inform and guide NZ SME leaders as well as political/policy leaders and SME support organisation leaders.” – Professor Brad Jackson
“What’s especially novel about the framework is it is underpinned by the suggestion of a cooperative environment in which data and conversations are freely shared by SMEs in the interests of collectively raising NZ’s productivity levels.” – Professor Brad Jackson
