Lighten up, says star

Sam Neill has had enough of the economic doom and gloom - and so has an Auckland consulting company.

Neill told an audience that included Prime Minister John Key at the Australian premiere of his latest film, Dean Spanley, there should be a war on recession-related panic and anxiety.

His call has the backing of CBA Consulting, who are throwing a Positive and Opportunity Party at its city centre offices tomorrow and promising to eject negative people.

"We are far from Pollyannas, but panic and lack of confidence actually feeds the cycle of negativity," said staff member Adrian Dixon.

"If we stand back from that panic there is huge economic opportunity."

According to psychologists, optimism and knowing how to control anxiety are key to surviving the recession.

Dr John McEwan, who trades under the name "Dr Stress" said we were in "what is politely being called the most interesting year in human history".

"We've entered a world where a lot of people are going to lose. We've got to find the big fighting spirit of Winston Churchill and say, 'bugger it, we're going to take this on'."