Radio New Zealand - Te Reo Irirangi o Aotearoa

More than half of NZers think economy's improving - survey

Updated at 7:17 am on 5 February 2013

A new survey shows more than half of New Zealanders think the economy is improving, but many are split on whether they can be financially independent or pursue the career they want.

Westpac's Waitangi Day Kiwi Perspectives survey shows that 93% of the 2000 people polled are proud to be living in New Zealand.

But nearly half say they are feeling the financial pinch or are overcommitted and many doubt that it is financially smart to live in New Zealand.

Two-thirds of respondents say increasing their savings is one of their main financial goals and 90% are not considering personal borrowing.

Westpac general manager of business banking Mark Fitz-Gerald says the figures are encouraging because there is a focus on saving and less on borrowing.

New Zealanders need to have faith in the economy and start eyeing a future based on sustainable financial growth, he believes.

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