Confidence in the economy is at its highest for five-and-a-half years
The BNZ Confidence Survey shows a net 57% of respondents expect the economy to be better in a year - the most optimistic reading since the survey began in 2005.
Sentiment was severely dented by earthquakes in Canterbury in September last year and February.
BNZ senior economist Craig Ebert says the sharp improvement since then is a positive sign which bodes well for growth.
However, the improved sentiment is not being felt across all sectors.
Mr Ebert says the tourism sector continues to lag, which is to be expected given the quakes, and the retail sector also remains cautious.
