Good vibes returning

Queenstown Lakes business confidence is improving as we head into what is expected to be a busy summer.

Some 116 business owners and managers took part in the latest Queenstown Business Chamber of Commerce quarterly survey.

Roughly half say demand is the biggest barrier to growth, following a slow winter season for customer spending. In previous years, finding staff and accommodation for staff have been the biggest issues, but the number of customers coming through the door is now their chief concern.

Input costs have been high (+67%), with net negative real activity (-14%) resulting in net negative profits (-33%). However, the outlook for the next three months much more positive with profits returning to a net positive (+20%).

Chamber boss Sharon Fifield says: "Overall, we are seeing an increase in business confidence and signs are we’re heading in the right direction looking forward to summer and a continued easing of economic conditions."

Some 36% of respondents came from Queenstown CBD, 17% from Wanaka, followed by Frankton. The survey was sent 17 October to the Chamber's 600+ members.