South Island leads regional economic growth

The South Island is leading regional economic growth according to a study by Business and Economic Research Ltd (Berl).

The study showed South Island districts took four of the top five spots in an index of economic indicators.

Queenstown-Lakes District took out the top spot, based on a first placed ranking in both resident population growth and business growth. The district ranked third in employment growth and fourth in gross domestic product (GDP) growth.

Rodney District, the only North Island district in the top five, came in second overall. The district placed third in resident population growth, fifth in business growth, sixth in employment growth and seventh in GDP growth.

Tasman District was third overall, taking third place in GDP growth, fourth in business growth, seventh in population growth and eleventh in employment growth.

Kaikoura took out fourth place. The district ranked first in both employment and GDP growth, and second for business growth, but was hampered by a 34th placing in resident population growth.

The top five was rounded out by the Marlborough District.

Berl's regional economic index ranks 73 districts on four base indicators: resident population growth; employment growth, GDP growth and the growth in the number of businesses.

A positive result across all the indicators is needed for a top ranking in the index.

- NZPA