Western Bay of Plenty businesses are entering 2026 with rebounding confidence levels, according to the latest Priority One Business Outlook Survey. The survey of businesses across the Western Bay of Plenty, conducted in February and March 2026, shows 77% of businesses are confident about the future of their own business, with just 7% reporting low confidence.

Confidence in the local economy is also strong, with 76% confident about the future of the Western Bay of Plenty economy, up sharply from 56% in 2023. Importantly, 63% of respondents believe the Western Bay economy is in a better position than other regions in New Zealand, reinforcing the region’s reputation as one of the country’s more resilient economic performers.

Priority One Chief Executive, Dave Courtney said the results highlight a business community that remains fundamentally optimistic about the region, even amid a challenging global backdrop. “What this survey tells us is that Western Bay businesses are confident in their own fundamentals, they see strength locally, and they believe the Western Bay is better placed than many other parts of the country.”

While confidence in the New Zealand economy has improved since 2023, it remains lower than local sentiment. The survey shows 64% of businesses are confident about the future of the national economy, compared with much stronger confidence in their own businesses and the local economy. “There’s a clear distinction in how businesses view what they can control locally versus the broader national and global environment,” Courtney says. “That local confidence is being driven by strong demand, solid pipelines of work, diversified business models and the Western Bay’s appeal as a place to live, work and invest.”

However, the survey also makes clear that confidence does not mean businesses are without pressure.
The most significant challenges identified include rising costs such as wages, insurance, energy and rates, difficulty attracting skilled staff, regulatory and compliance burden, and ongoing political and geopolitical uncertainty. Smaller businesses, in particular, report lower confidence levels, as they manage through a difficult economic period. “Cost pressures, talent shortages and uncertainty are real and persistent issues, especially for smaller firms. Confidence and challenge are co-existing right now.”

Employment data reflects a cautious recovery. Around two-thirds of businesses have hired staff in the past year and plan to hire again, yet one in three has also made redundancies, largely due to financial pressure and lack of work. “What we’re seeing is adjustment rather than retreat,” Courtney says. “Businesses are reshaping, becoming leaner and positioning themselves for the next phase of growth.”

Priority One also noted that the survey was conducted before the outbreak of the current Middle East conflict, which has since heightened global geopolitical and economic risk. “Escalating global tensions, potential supply chain disruption and energy price volatility may weigh on confidence as the year unfolds,” Courtney says. “That makes continued focus on infrastructure investment, a clear regional strategy and strong advocacy for business more important than eve

Read the results of the Priority One Business Outlook Survey.

If you’d like more information, please contact:
Kathryn Scholes, GM Communications at Priority One
Kathryn@priorityone.co.nz