Confidence in Bay of Plenty's economy surged to a 10-year high in December.
A net 50 per cent of households expected the region's economy to strengthen over the coming year, according to the December Westpac McDermott Miller Regional Economic Confidence survey.
That's up from 34 per cent in September, and saw the Bay of Plenty reclaim its place at the top of the national leaderboard, a position it's held for six of the last seven quarters.
"Bay of Plenty residents have become increasingly upbeat about the region's economic prospects," Westpac acting chief economist Michael Gordon said.
"The Bay of Plenty has a lot going for it, so high levels of optimism are not surprising. Tourism is booming, strong population growth is driving growth in construction and house prices and the horticulture sector continues to strengthen."
Separately, the Westpac McDermott Miller survey also examined consumers' views on their own economic situation, producing an index that summarises responses to questions including how respondents view their own financial situation, and their current willingness to buy a major household item.
The regional breakdown of the Westpac McDermott Miller Consumer Confidence Index showed Bay of Plenty consumer confidence perked up, rising from 107 in September to 115 in December. The national average is 113.
"The overwhelming positivity the region's residents have shown toward the region's prospects hasn't translated into quite the same exuberance at the household level," Mr Gordon said.
"While households are feeling more upbeat about their own financial position, they maintain a relatively cautious attitude to spending. A net 12 per cent of households think now is a good time to buy a big-ticket household item, one of the country's lowest readings."
The survey was conducted over the period December 1 to 10, 2016