Low interest rates have revealed differences between the young and old about how well off they feel financially.
The Westpac McDermott Miller Consumer Confidence Index edged down slightly to 110.8 in the March quarter. A figure above 100 indicates optimists outnumber pessimists.
Households' perceptions of their finances had their best showing since December 2007.
Westpac chief economist Dominick Stephens says younger New Zealanders are upbeat about buying a house because mortgage rates are low.
However, those relying on fixed incomes - who tend to be the elderly - are less optimistic.
