An international survey of consumers suggests some New Zealanders are still burying their heads in the sand when it comes to spending.
The findings come despite a major collapse in business confidence in New Zealand in October. The National Bank's confidence survey shows a net 42% of businesses now expect conditions to deteriorate in the coming year.
Research conducted by M&C Saatchi for the international consumer survey put people into categories such as scrimpers, treaters, ostriches and vultures.
It found that while 64% of Britons and 36% of Australians were pessimistic about the prospect of a recession, only 25% of New Zealanders felt the same.
M&C Saatchi New Zealand chief executive Nick Baylis believes part of the reason is that New Zealand has not been hit as hard as the United Kingdom.
