Pulse of NZ Business - What it means for Pukekohe

Forsyth Barr has just released its latest Pulse of NZ Business Survey, and the overall message is fairly encouraging, particularly for regional businesses like those here in Pukekohe and the wider Franklin area.

In simple terms, more businesses are starting to feel like things are turning a corner.

The regions are leading the way

One of the strongest takeaways from the survey is that regional New Zealand is outperforming the main centres.

Businesses outside Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch are seeing stronger demand and are generally more confident about the year ahead, and that gap has actually widened since last year.

That lines up well with what we’re seeing locally. Many businesses are still cautious, but there’s more work coming through the door and fewer conversations that start with “we’re just trying to survive”.

Demand is improving, and profits are following

About half of the businesses surveyed expect profits to be higher over the next 12 months, and a growing number are saying demand has picked up over the past few months.

Just as importantly, fewer businesses now see “lack of demand” as their biggest problem. This suggests the improvement is being driven by real activity, not just hopeful thinking.

Agriculture remains a solid base

Agriculture continues to show steady, positive momentum.

Most parts of the sector are performing well, which is good news for farming, horticulture, and the many local businesses that support them — from contractors and transport through to professional services.

For an area like Franklin, where so much economic activity is tied back to the land, that stability matters.

Businesses are starting to invest again

For the first time, Forsyth Barr asked whether businesses plan to invest more or less over the coming year. The answer was modest but positive;

More businesses are planning to invest a little more, rather than pulling back.

This isn’t about big, risky expansion. It’s more about replacing equipment, improving systems, investing in technology, or adding staff where it makes sense.

The challenges haven’t gone away — they’ve just changed

While demand is less of a worry, cost pressures, competition, and keeping up with technology are now the biggest challenges businesses are talking about.

That’s a useful reminder that even as conditions improve, keeping a close eye on margins, pricing, and cash flow still matters.

The bottom line

For local SMEs, the picture is cautiously positive. The recovery appears to be led by the regions, supported by agriculture, and grounded in improving demand.

It’s not time to get carried away, but it is a good time to make sure your business is well positioned for better conditions ahead.

Cheers
Lincoln

Lincoln Sharp, Director

_

Source: Forsyth Barr, The Pulse of NZ Business – Business Survey, February 2026