The removal of COVID-19 restrictions on domestic activity has continued to give the New Zealand economy a boost. The manufacturing sector is now joining in, with the PMI manufacturing index rising strongly a two-year high in June. However, as recent news demonstrates, the pandemic has brought to a head some long-running pressures within heavy manufacturing in particular. After a lengthy review, Rio Tinto has announced that it will close its aluminium smelter at Tiwai Point in Southland by the end of August 2021. COVID-19 was the straw that finally broke the camel’s back for Tiwai Point, but it also raises questions ... (full story)