Business leaders say the economy is stuck in a holding pattern, with rural regions showing more optimism than urban centres, according to the first NZ Chambers of Commerce Business and Economy Survey.

The survey, involving over 20 Chambers from Northland to Southland, represents tens of thousands of businesses across all sectors.

Most CEOs report steady but flat conditions, cautious investment, and a wait for stability.

Auckland Business Chamber CEO Simon Bridges described a “Groundhog Day” of fatigue after tough years, while rural-backed regions like Canterbury, Southland, Manawatū-Whanganui, and Queenstown Lakes are buoyed by strong agriculture, tourism, food production, manufacturing, and logistics.

In contrast, urban hubs like Auckland are lagging, and some regions such as Nelson-Tasman and Northland face weak demand and cost pressures.

Sectors like retail, hospitality, and construction remain under strain.

On the Hibiscus Coast, local business confidence is expected to mirror Auckland’s softer mood, with many operators feeling the pinch from rising costs, lower consumer demand, and uncertainty.

This could mean slower recovery locally unless export-led gains start flowing through.

Survey data shows:

• 60% rate regional business confidence as moderate, with 45% expecting no change in six months.
• 79% of businesses are holding steady.
• 89% see infrastructure investment as the best government action.

Primary industries are leading recovery in rural areas, but many CEOs agree the rebound has yet to reach urban service-based economies.

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