House price growth in both Otago and Southland is expected to slow over the coming months. PHOTO: STEPHEN JAQUIERYEconomic activity in Otago should improve markedly over the coming year as it narrows the performance gap with other regions, Westpac’s latest Regional Roundup report says. Otago had continued to "do it tough" as the closure of the international border and heightened restrictions on Aucklanders’ ability to travel severely curtailed activity in the region. Home building activity should continue to support the region’s economy, particularly given the "huge" amount of work still in the pipeline. Like Otago, house price growth in the region was expected to slow over coming months, turning negative in the second half of the year.

Source: Otago Daily Times December 14, 2021 15:38 UTC