Auckland has once again taken the top spot in the ASB Regional Economic Scorecard.
The quarterly scorecard ranks the performance of 16 regions by comparing economic data.
Auckland held on to its top ranking for the fifth quarter in a row, thanks to improving car and retail sales, a growing population and more residential construction.
But the city still earned only a fair to middling rating.
The Bay of Plenty moved up a spot, to second, fuelled by improving employment and guest nights, and a healthier construction outlook.
Waikato took third spot, Wellington was in fourth place, and Otago claimed fifth.
Marlborough fell to the bottom of the table, and was awarded a "take pity" status because of weak construction activity and subdued housing spending.
