House prices in Whanganui had increased more in the last year than their total growth over five years, implying earlier falls.
Whanganui Chamber of Commerce president Raewyn Overton-Stuart said she was seeing growing economic confidence in the area.
"I think that's been ongoing for a number a number of months now among businesses."
There was a lot of positivity around Accelerate25, a growth strategy which identified opportunities for growing investment, incomes and employment in the region.
"I think, generally, business confidence is quite high," said Ms Overton-Stuart.
The dairy price was a factor but Whanganui also had a number of new digital businesses and the district was recognised as a good place to move to.
Ms Overton-Stuart said the population was growing and building work and demand for housing was up.
Employment was increasing, though some business were still looking for people with specific skills.
Ms Overton-Stuart thought confidence would continue to build in the district.
The Roundup report said business confidence and hiring were on the rise nationwide and the pipeline of construction work was strong.
Migration, as a major driver of population and GDP growth, remained remarkably strong. Half of the migration growth was due to a reduction in New Zealanders leaving.
The outlook for the country overall was a lot more positive on the back of a happier dairy sector.
Other commodities, such as horticulture, wine and forestry were recording strong export growth.