The latest Infometrics Quarterly Economic Monitor (QEM) shows Tairāwhiti continues to navigate economic challenges, but some sectors and local businesses are reporting growing confidence in the region’s future.
The March 2026 QEM for Tairāwhiti shows resilience across parts of the economy, with consumer spending increasing 0.4 per cent over the past year and tourism expenditure rising 18.8 per cent to more than $307m.
Hayden Green, General Manager Economic Development at the Trust, said while some economic indicators remained under pressure, there was strong evidence that businesses were investing for long-term growth.
“The data highlights some of the challenges facing our region, but our direct engagement with businesses and industry leaders also indicates growing confidence and willingness to invest.”
Residential building activity strengthened, with residential consents up 19.6 per cent. Housing affordability also improved, and demand for emergency housing continues to fall.
Bayleys Gisborne General Manager Stu Potter says activity has increased across commercial, rural and lifestyle property markets with transactions occurring across all sectors despite ongoing economic uncertainty.
“Businesses and investors are recognising the long-term opportunities that Gisborne offers,” Mr Potter says.
“Improved connectivity, infrastructure investment and the strength of our agricultural and horticultural sectors continue to attract interest from both investors and people looking to establish a presence in the region.
“The most encouraging sign is the return of confidence.”
Local kiwifruit grower and chair of the Tairāwhiti Growers Association, Tim Tietjen, says orchard performance continues to improve following the impacts of Cyclone Gabrielle and several wet seasons. Sungold kiwifruit crops had the highest average yield of the last four years, while RubyRed hit its highest average yield on record, with Gisborne growers leading the country in red kiwifruit production.
A promising new green kiwifruit variety currently under evaluation could further expand opportunities for growers across the region, Mr Tietjen said.
“The potential for a new variety that performs well in Tairāwhiti conditions is exciting and could make even more of the district’s land suitable for kiwifruit production.”
Confidence in the region’s productive potential is also reflected in significant private-sector investment.
Corsons Chief Financial Officer Hamish White says the recent rebuild of their gritting mill represents a significant investment in the future prosperity of the region.
“The family-owned business not only has a deep connection to Gisborne and the wider East Coast, but it also recognises that it is arguably the best place to grow high-quality maize crops in New Zealand due to both the climate and the multigenerational expertise of seed producers and growers in the region.
“The new gritting mill for maize food ingredients means that growers continue to have a choice around what they plant. It also connects Gisborne to a wider domestic and international food ingredient ecosystem with maize grits, flour and popcorn being supplied to some of the largest snack food, cereal and making food producers in New Zealand, the Pacific and South East Asia.”
Read the full Infometrics Quarterly Economic Monitor here