Business Confidence
Southland businesses are starting the year with a surge in confidence, according to the latest Southland Business Chamber survey. Overall business confidence has significantly increased, jumping 17 points to +48. This positive sentiment is also reflected in an improved outlook for the Southland economy, which rose 10 points to +54, and the expected financial performance of individual businesses, up 14 points to +50.
Click here for the February 2025 summary document
Key findings from the survey include:
- 62% of businesses anticipate a stronger Southland economy over the next 12 months, up from 58% last quarter
- 67% plan to invest in property, plant, and equipment, and 58% expect to hire new staff over the next 12 months.
- Confidence in managing disruptions is steady at 69%.
- 66% of respondents believe New Zealand is on the right economic path.
- 31% of businesses have been impacted by crime or anti-social behaviour within the previous 12
The primary challenges identified include consumer confidence and demand (48%), rising compliance costs (42%), productivity and growth (29%), labour market constraints (27%), and inflationary pressure/ rising interest rates (25%).
Respondents believe Southland’s economic resilience is underpinned by its diverse industry base and key sectors like agriculture, tourism, construction, and manufacturing. New industry such as aquaculture and data centres, projects such as the new museum and accommodation, events attracting visitors to the region and the revitalised Invercargill CBD provide optimism.
Click on the links below to download Southland Business Confidence Insight Reports:
- February 2025
- November 2024
- August 2024
- May 2024
- February 2024
- November 2023
- August 2023
- May 2023
- November 2022
- August 2022
- May 2022
- February 2022
- November 2021
- August 2021