Business confidence has fallen for the third consecutive month but still remains positive.
The National Bank's business confidence survey shows more firms are feeling positive than negative in December. It's the ninth consecutive month in which businesses have shown confidence.
National Bank chief economist Cameron Bagrie says despite the third monthly dip, confidence is robust.
He says construction businesses remain the most confident but manufacturing, retail and service firms are catching up.
Firms' employment and investment intentions also rose this month.
A net 10% of firms expect to invest more in the coming year while a net 3% expect to create jobs.
