Otago, meanwhile, leapt to a score of 5 thanks to a sharp rebound in international tourism and an 8% increase in employment – the strongest growth in the country.<\/p>\n
\u201cOur friends from across the ditch are lacing up their boots and hitting the ski fields,\u201d said Sutherland. <\/p>\n
\u201cThe few Americans that have a map beyond the USA are exploring the edge of the Earth. And Chinese visitor arrivals are finally recovering.\u201d<\/p>\n
Economic activity has improved across most of the country, with the average score lifted from 3\/10 to 4. Image \/ Kiwibank<\/p>\n
Canterbury\u2019s economy remains steady at 4 out of 10, with post-earthquake infrastructure works and a relatively strong housing market driving momentum. <\/p>\n
House prices there are up 1.5% year-on-year, compared to the national average decline of 0.3%.<\/p>\n
Despite strong commodity prices and a weak New Zealand dollar boosting rural incomes, Kiwibank notes many farmers remain cautious.<\/p>\n
\u201cLike many other households and businesses, crawling out of a recession means rebuilding equity. That\u2019s step one,\u201d Sutherland said.<\/p>\n
\u201cOnce balance sheets are in better shape, there\u2019s reason to spend. And once demand in the economy strengthens, there\u2019s reason to invest. We\u2019re not quite there yet.\u201d<\/p>\n
The story in the North Island is less rosy. <\/p>\n
The average economic score across Te Ika-a-M\u0101ui is stuck at 3.2, with a wide range of performance. <\/p>\n
AdvertisementAdvertise with NZME.<\/a><\/p>\n Taranaki, Northland and Gisborne all saw their scores decline, with Taranaki posting the country\u2019s largest drop in employment at -8%.<\/p>\n \u201cRegions like Taranaki, Northland and Gisborne are going backwards,\u201d said Kerr. <\/p>\n \u201cThese regions are grappling with falling employment, softer housing markets and softer activity across the board.\u201d<\/p>\n Gisborne saw the weakest housing activity, recording no growth in house sales in the three months to May. <\/p>\n Northland experienced a double-digit drop in new dwelling consents and scored just 2.6 out of 10, making it one of the worst-performing regions in the country.<\/p>\n Not all is bleak in the north. Manawat\u016b-Whanganui was crowned \u201cMost Improved,\u201d with strong employment growth and infrastructure investment lifting its score nearly two points. <\/p>\nOtago and Southland are New Zealand’s economic bright spots. Photo \/ Mark Mitchell<\/p>\n