The Government will investigate New Zealand’s resilience to supply chain disruptions, via the Productivity Commission.

Finance Minister Grant Robertson said the shock to the economy from the Covid-19 pandemic had been considerable, and challenges remained for New Zealand’s supply chain.

“This inquiry will identify ways to enhance the resilience of New Zealand’s economy to persistent medium-term supply chain disruptions,” he said.

“The Commission will engage with stakeholders to select a definition of resilience appropriate to the inquiry, identify industry level supply chain vulnerabilities, and recommend policy responses that assist in anticipating, preparing for, responding to, recovering, and learning from these supply chain disruptions.

The commission will work closely with other agencies that have existing work programmes underway in this area, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and the Ministry of Transport.