Bay set to share in boom year

Spending is tipped to increase in the brighter economic outlook this year.

Hawke's Bay is poised to cash in on a buoyant 2014, with nationwide predictions of economic growth, more jobs and better pay.

New Zealand business confidence is the strongest it has been since the recession ended and the national economy is forecast to enjoy 3.3 per cent growth this year, well above the 2.3 per cent average for "rich club" nations in the Organisation of Economic Co-operation and Development, according to reports.

Although forecasts are positive, new figures released by SEEK jobs website show the number of listed Hawke's Bay jobs fell slightly last year.

More than 3100 jobs were advertised in Hawke's Bay during 2013, a 2 per cent decrease on 2012.

Napier mayor Bill Dalton said 2014 promised to be a good year for the region, with more tourism spending likely during prosperous economic conditions.

Mr Dalton said the Napier tourism industry would "get a little benefit further down the line" from nationwide growth.

"When people in businesses start making more profits and staff start earning better wages then they're more likely to go on holiday, and we as a tourist destination benefit as well."

A good number of building projects were under way throughout the region, Mr Dalton said.

"That's certainly going to bode well for the building industry, the construction industry and all the allied industries that go with it.

"As long as our individual communities of interest are allowed to concentrate on what they do well then the Hawke's Bay economy will benefit."

Napier was "the gateway" to Hawke's Bay, so the city council was putting an emphasis on providing infrastructure to encourage visitors.

"A strong, vibrant and prosperous Napier will be of enormous benefit to the whole of Hawke's Bay."

Mr Dalton was hopeful of wage increases in the region and said the important outcome of increased economic activity was everyone sharing the benefits.

"I would like to think that people on every rung of the ladder have a better year."

Hawke's Bay Tourism general manager Annie Dundas said the region's tourism industry was looking strong after a "very positive" last few months to end 2013.

"All indications are we have had a great few months and a strong December and early January."

She said although summer was always a busy period for the industry a number of tourist-driven businesses had described this season as one of the best in recent years.

"A number of Hawke's Bay attractions are gaining in popularity. The Hawke's Bay trails, for example, have attracted some Australian ventures who are wanting to bring tourists across in tour groups, while F.A.W.C! has really helped open up, promote and celebrate our food and wine industry."

Hawke's Bay Chamber of Commerce chief executive Wayne Walford said he was "nervous" about people projecting a bumper economic year but remained optimistic.

"I am always hopeful but I would like to see a few more signs first. Often when people believe it is going to be a bumper year they feel the risk disappears and are not as prudent, but people need to hold on to the reins and keep an eye on their business while establishing good plans."

He said Hawke's Bay was beginning to reap the rewards of the "busy" Hawke's Bay tourism industry.

SEEK New Zealand general manager Janet Faulding said the top three job categories in available positions last year were information and communication technology, trades and services, and administration and office support roles, collectively representing over 30 per cent of the job market.

Trades and services personnel were in particular demand, with more than 20,000 jobs advertised during 2012.