Confidence among regions with a strong export base is slipping, as global growth softens.
The Westpac McDermott Miller Regional Economic Confidence Survey asks households about their expectations for their local economy over the coming year.
Westpac senior economist Felix Delbruck said he expects confidence in dairy and agricultural export regions to be slipping because of softening global demand.
Northland remains the most pessimistic region, followed by Wellington. Southland claimed top spot as the country's most confident region.
