The pace of decline in manufacturing activity has slowed for the second consecutive month.
The BNZ Capital - Business New Zealand Performance of Manufacturing Index rose nearly 2 points to 43.7 in April, compared to March.
But it's still 7 points lower than in April last year.
A reading below 50 indicates manufacturing activity is generally declining.
Business New Zealand chief executive Phil O'Reilly says that while small improvements are welcome, expansion is likely to be some time away.
