14 Consumer confidence again eased back a little, but there are still more optimists than pessimists. The drop is partly due to Aucklanders’ confidence being dented a little by a slight drop in house prices. Overall consumers feel positive about the future, reflecting the generally positive outlook for the New Zealand economy. The gap in confidence between Australia and New Zealand did close a little last quarter, but New Zealand continues to remain more positive. In the past this has reflected our net migration to and from Australia. If that trend continues then this gap will need to close much more before we see more Kiwis flooding back across the Tasman to chase new lives. Consumer Confidence Source: ANZ NZ, Roy Morgan ANZ — Roy Morgan Consumer Confidence Trans-Tasman Consumer Confidence Index Source: Westpac NZ, McDermott Miller New Zealand Australia