Coasties interested in the business community will find promising news in the latest Auckland Business Chamber confidence survey.

The survey reveals a significant improvement in business confidence, with negative sentiment dropping to 45%, the lowest level recorded since July 2022.

This milestone reflects a growing sense of optimism, with businesses reporting improved expectations for New Zealand’s economic performance over the next 12 months.

Survey Highlights

Key findings include a shift in economic and business performance trends:

• Business Confidence: Negative sentiment has fallen sharply to 45%, down from 66% in August.
• Economic Performance: 51% of businesses expect New Zealand’s economy to improve over the next year, up from 43%.
• Business Revenue: Revenue challenges persist but are easing, with 54% reporting a decline compared to last year, an improvement from August's 59%.

However, challenges remain.

Cost pressures are expected to rise, with 80% of businesses forecasting increased costs in the next 12 months, compared to 72% in August.

Consumer confidence remains the top concern, but its impact has lessened, falling to 61% from 65%.

Insights from the Chamber

Simon Bridges, CEO of the Auckland Business Chamber, noted that businesses are demonstrating resilience despite ongoing hurdles.

“The number of businesses with a negative outlook has significantly dropped, and expectations for New Zealand’s economic performance are stronger. Despite ongoing challenges, such as revenue pressures, businesses are showing resilience and a renewed belief that better times are ahead,” he said.

However, Bridges also highlighted emerging risks.

“The rising concern over international trade and geopolitical risks signals that businesses are becoming more attuned to the global uncertainties impacting their operations. These new concerns highlight the challenges businesses are likely to face in 2025, within a volatile global market, alongside rising costs and revenue pressures at home.”

Looking Ahead

While challenges such as cash flow and rising costs persist, the survey indicates that businesses are adapting and remain optimistic about the future.

For locals and business owners on the Hibiscus Coast, these trends offer a glimpse into broader economic shifts and their potential impact on the community.

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