New Zealand remains a relatively robust economy on a three percent growth trajectory, according to the BusinessNZ Planning Forecast for the December 2018 quarter.

This is in contrast to a global economy beset by inflationary pressures, protectionist trade policies and risk of financial market correction.

BusinessNZ Chief Executive Kirk Hope says there are many positives in New Zealand’s economic environment.

"The PMI and PSI show New Zealand’s manufacturing and services industries are both expanding, business confidence is improving and employment rates are at a record high.

"Inflation is under firm control, and despite lower commodity prices generally, prices for dairy remain at healthy levels."

"Risk factors for the economy include difficulties finding skilled labour and housing prices that are stabilising, but in many cases at very high levels," Kirk Hope said.

"The main risks to New Zealand economy continue to come from offshore."

The BusinessNZ Economic Conditions Index sits at 6 for the December 2018 quarter, up 10 on the previous quarter and up 1 on a year ago.

The Index tracks 33 economic indicators including GDP, export volumes, commodity prices, inflation, debt, and business and consumer confidence.

The BusinessNZ Planning Forecast for the December 2018 quarter is on www.businessnz.org.nz

ENDS

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