Consumers have become slightly more confident.
The latest ANZ Roy Morgan Consumer Confidence index rose 0.7 points to 116.3 points in August.
A reading over 100 indicates that optimists outnumber pessimists, and while August's index remains positive it is well below the historical average and close to the lowest reading in almost a year.
The survey shows fewer people are feeling financially better off compared to a year ago, but an increasing number expect to be better off in 2011.
The number of people planning to buy a major household item also rose slightly.
Consumer sentiment rose in Auckland and Wellington, but fell in other parts of New Zealand.
