Construction, freight, retail and hospitality/tourism businesses are all big improvers in Forsyth Barr’s Pulse of New Zealand Business survey. There had been a material step up in demand over the past three months and profitability expectations for the next 12 months, compared to the investment firm’s previous survey. That was consistent with businesses moving beyond stabilisation and into recovery. Medium-sized enterprises also led the charge, remaining the most positive cohort on both recent trading and the outlook. Deteriorating demand had fallen away as the dominant concern, consistent with activity in the economy improving and confidence across many sectors.

Source: Otago Daily Times February 10, 2026 16:54 UTC