The latest Quarterly Canterbury Business Survey Results
The confidence-led economic recovery is underway in Canterbury, with buoyancy across the region’s business community shifting firmly into action versus just optimism, according to Business Canterbury’s latest quarterly business survey released today.
Business Canterbury Chief Executive, Leeann Watson says, “Following a period of increasing business confidence but lagging investment and hiring intentions, businesses are now reporting fuller pipelines, faster customer decision‑making, and a willingness to progress projects that were previously on hold.”
The survey results show that 76% of Canterbury businesses expect the regional economy to be stronger over the next 12 months, 71% plan to invest in property, plant, and equipment, and 70% anticipate hiring new staff. At the same time, 84% say they’re confident in their ability to deal with disruption.
“The results show the highest levels of confidence and expected investment activity since Business Canterbury launched its quarterly survey in July 2022.
“What we’re hearing on the ground matches this optimism we are seeing our survey results. Strong customer relationships and rebounding pipelines are now translating into real spending. Confidence is turning into activity, with businesses beginning to green-light discretionary projects, bring investment decisions forward – supported by government initiatives such as Investment Boost – and commit to hiring for growth at a rate we haven’t seen for some time.
“While the results are very positive for our local economy, businesses are keeping a close eye on the headwinds they’re still navigating, including consumer confidence and demand, productivity, compliance costs, cashflow, and concern about inflation and interest rates, particularly in light of Iran/USA.
“To lock in this momentum, we need stable policy, continuing to invest in enabling infrastructure ahead of demand, and continued work on reducing red tape and ensuring regulation keeps up with innovation so confidence can keep turning into real economic activity.”
Key Statistics
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76% expect the Canterbury economy to be stronger in 12 months.
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71% expect to invest in property, plant and equipment within the next 12 months.
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70% expect to hire new staff within the next 12 months.
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84% are confident in their ability to deal with disruption.
Top issues
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Consumer confidence and demand
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Productivity and growth
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Compliance costs
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Cashflow
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Inflation and interest rates.
Access Previous Survey Reports
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You can read our expert commentary below. For full survey reports and data, browse our downloadable PDF library by year on our Advocacy Hub. 
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About our Survey
The Quarterly Canterbury Business Survey is one of the South Island’s most comprehensive measures of business confidence and expectations. It captures insights across industries to provide a clear snapshot of economic conditions, workforce challenges, and investment trends. Feedback helps us advocate to local and central government for policies that support Canterbury business.
