Hawke's Bay economic activity up

Hawke's Bay recorded the second-fastest increase in economic activity, according to the National Bank Regional Trends report released yesterday.
 The level of economic activity increased 0.3 per cent in the December quarter, with Hawke's Bay recording the strongest rise in commercial construction consents, a 13 per cent increase from the preceding quarter, to hit a two-year high.
Rural real estate sales rebounded 41 per cent, thanks to a jump in December sales. Employment in the Bay grew by 1.9 per cent.