Despite suggestions in 2018 that the New Zealand economy would take a hit, Marlborough’s economy remained in good health, according to the latest quarterly economic data recently released by Infometrics.

The report shows Marlborough’s economy created around 560 new jobs in the year to March 2018, with growth spread across a range of industries including construction, agriculture, education and hospitality.

Tourism expenditure in Marlborough grew by 9 percent in the 2018 calendar year – more than double that of the national rate. The report attributes increases in visitor spending to the overall growth in consumer spending in the region, which increased by 6 percent in the calendar year.

Marlborough Mayor John Leggett says the statistics confirm Marlborough’s economy remains in pretty good shape.

“With most indicators at or above the national figures, this report shows how well the region is doing. Traffic flows in Marlborough, for example, increased by 8.1 percent compared to the national rate of just 2.7 percent; a great sign that traffic is returning to pre-Kaikoura earthquake numbers,” Mayor Leggett said.

For the first time, Infometrics captured data on enrolments at primary health organisations as an early indicator of population growth. The number of health enrolments in Marlborough increased by 1.8 percent in 2018 – on par with the national average, suggesting the region’s population continues to show healthy growth.

You can view a full copy of the Infometrics Quarterly Economic Monitor for the Marlborough Region – December 2018 on the Council website: https://ecoprofile.infometrics.co.nz/Marlborough+Region/QuarterlyEconomicMonitor

ENDS

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