Otago economy blitzes nation

Otago blitzed the rest of the nation with a  quarterly rise in economic activity overshadowing all other regions, according to the latest National Bank regional trends survey.

The region expanded 3.5 percent which was put down to strong gains in building permits, house
sales, accommodation guest nights and the labour market. Employment in the region lifted 1.0 percent, compared with a 0.3 percent decrease nationally. The number of house sales rose 11 percent from a very weak figure in March.

Ten of fourteen regions recorded a rise in economic activity in the June quarter, with nationwide activity increasing 0.4%.

The full report is available from the National Bank Regional Trends analysis.