Business confidence has slipped from a 14-year high, though firms remain buoyant.
ANZ Bank's monthly gauge of business sentiment shows optimists outnumber pessimists, with a net 48% of firms expecting economic conditions to improve in the coming year, compared with a net 53% expecting better times ahead in the previous survey.
ANZ said confidence is becoming more widespread and broad-based.
The construction sector leads the way, with optimism about their own prospects at a 19-year high.
When combined with ANZ's consumer confidence survey, it indicates the economy will grow just over 4% by early next year, although chief economist Cameron Bagrie said that appears far too optimistic.
But Mr Bagrie says confidence is becoming more widespread and broad-based.
He says the construction sector leads the way, with optimism about their own prospects at a 19-year high.
