In promising news for New Zealand's economy, the NZIER Quarterly Survey of Business Opinion (QSBO) reported a rise in capacity utilization for the fourth quarter of 2025. The indicator now stands at 89.8%, a modest increase from the third quarter's figure of 89.1%. Updated on January 12, 2026, this data reflects a positive trend and indicates that the country's production capabilities are nearing full potential.
The incremental increase in capacity utilization suggests a steady demand for goods and services, which could be interpreted as a sign of robust economic activity. Businesses in New Zealand are running closer to their maximum production potential, which could lead to expansions, higher employment rates, and potentially increased investments in infrastructure to meet growing demands.
This development is seen as a key indicator of economic health, suggesting that New Zealand companies are effectively managing their resources and capital to optimize operations. As the nation continues to recover and adjust following global economic challenges, such data presents an optimistic outlook for the economic landscape into 2026.
