However, national growth expectations have softened – Kiwibank recently cut its 2025 GDP forecast from 1.4% to just 0.9%, warning that New Zealand remains highly exposed to worsening global volatility.
West Coast and Marlborough climb as Otago slips
The West Coast surged into second place, achieving its best result in four years thanks to solid construction activity and a retail rebound.
Marlborough also performed strongly, while Otago slipped to third despite continued strength in Queenstown’s tourism sector.
“We’re seeing the impact of that performance filter through to local economies, particularly in regions like the West Coast, which has posted its best result in four years, and Canterbury, where rural strength is boosting confidence across the board,” Tuffley said.
Urban centres lag behind
While rural regions are thriving, urban centres are underperforming. Auckland ranked 10th, while Wellington remained in 15th place for the third straight quarter.