Economic updates

The Core Cities analysis was developed to better understand the role and economic contribution the largest cities make to the New Zealand economy and to identify the competitive advantage and distinctiveness of each city-region. It is planned to update the analysis for Palmerston North when Census 2018 data is available.

These reports are produced to provide a better understanding of what contributes to population, household and economic growth in the city and the longer-term outlook for growth. The projections report is updated every two to three years.

These reports provide an overview of economic trends for sub-regions in the Manawatū-Whanganui region and brief overviews for each territorial authority. The report is updated every six months.

The annual economic indicators show how our local economy is doing as of March 2025 based on latest available information that is released annually. It covers:

• population
• GDP
• business count
• survival rate
• filled jobs
• unemployment rate
• earnings
• average household income

Annual economic indicators(PDF, 42KB)

The quarterly economic growth indicators below provides most recent data on the following:

• GDP
• Inflation
• Official cash rate
• Number of businesses
• Filled jobs
• Unemployment rate
• Jobseeker support recipients
• Building consents
• Annual and median earnings
• Retail and tourism spending
• Vehicle registrations
• Guest nights
• Average house value
• House sales
• Home affordability

Economic growth indicators (quarterly)(PDF, 167KB)

This report provides an overview of key indicators of economic activity in Palmerston North. Up until the September 2022 quarter, the Infometrics quarterly economic monitor provided an update of economic conditions in Palmerston North. From the December 2022 quarter, the monitor has been replaced by the quarterly economic update, which reports on the most recent data for the city as well as the latest full quarter data. The report is updated every 3 months.

We also produce quarterly economic updates for the region, which are distributed by the Central Economic Development Agency, CEDA. You can read these reports on the CEDA website.