Auckland’s economic activity rose 1.3%pa in the December 2025 quarter, below the national 1.6%pa, Infometrics says.

Provisional estimates in Infometrics’ December 2025 Quarterly Economic Monitor put national activity up 1.6%pa in the quarter and up 0.4%pa over the 2025 calendar year.

Higher activity was recorded in all but one region in the December 2025 quarter.

Infometrics Principal Economist Nick Brunsdon said the quarter showed “meaningful economic recovery across regions”, including in the North Island, while Auckland “continues to lag”.

Bay of Plenty and Waikato are now growing faster than the national average, with better primary sector returns cited as a key support.

The dairy pay-out has improved and is tracking just below last year’s record high, while milk solid production increased 2.6%pa.

Over the 2025 calendar year, beef export values rose 21%pa and horticulture exports lifted 28%pa.

In the December quarter, Infometrics reported higher manufacturing sentiment, concrete volumes and construction intentions, tourism arrivals, and job ads.

Retail spending was mixed, inflationary pressures increased, and hours worked eased slightly.

“Households continue to scrimp with their money,” Mr Brunsdon said, adding that Infometrics estimates consumer spending volumes fell 1.7%pa over the 2025 calendar year.

Housing market activity picked up, with sales up 11% over the year to December 2025.

Prices fell 0.9%pa in the December 2025 quarter, which Infometrics described as a buyers’ market based on its analysis of Cotality data.

Employment remained weaker than activity, with Auckland employment down 0.9%pa and Wellington down 1.5%pa, while only three South Island regions recorded employment growth.

“We expect employment will be one of the last indicators to recover,” Mr Brunsdon said.

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