Consumers are still positive about the outlook for the economy, says this month's WestpacTrust McDermott Miller consumer confidence survey.
The confidence index stands at 120, up from 119 in December. Anything over 100 indicates more optimists than pessimists.
Of the five questions reflected in the index, the biggest change wasa net 11 per cent increase in those expecting good economic times in New Zealand over the next year.
Consumers were also more confident about buying a major household item.
There was little or no change in the proportion of respondents who consider themselves better off financially than a year ago, or in those who expect to be better off this time next year.
Men remain more confident than women and the young more confident than the old.
Auckland is the most confident of the main centres (125 on the index, down from 126 in December) but the South Island as a whole is more optimistic than the North.
Southland and Nelson-Marlborough are the most confident regions.
WestpacTrust chief economist Adrian Orr said the domestic economy was underpinning confidence.
"Over recent months New Zealand has experienced ongoing good growing conditions, solid employment and wage growth, rising residential building activity and immigration," he said.
"Meanwhile both interest rates and the exchange rate have remained near their historic lows, despite both having risen somewhat over recent months."
The robust level of consumer confidence provided a platform for further growth in consumer spending.
"However, it also provides a platform for further interest rate rises from the Reserve Bank," he said.
The survey was taken early this month, before last week's unexpectedly early lift in interest rates by the Reserve Bank.
Inflation expectations in the survey rose from 3.9 per cent in December to 4.3 per cent.
