MYOB New Zealand general manager James Scollay said strong performance in the SME sector bodes well for overall future economic conditions.
"It's not surprising that we have seen such a turnaround in confidence levels, given how well many of our regions and key industries have performed over the last 12 months," Scollay said.
"Business operators were heading into Christmas last year with a good degree of caution, what they've actually found is a general improvement in their revenue and considerable stability in the local economy."
Wellington businesses in the MYOB survey saw significant improvements, with 35 per cent experiencing revenue growth.
Christchurch-based business operators managing the CBD's rebuild expressed less confidence, with confidence declining 7 per cent.
Falling global dairy prices saw those in the primary sector's confidence decline 23 per cent, with declines likely to outstrip gains.