The BNZ-BusinessNZ Performance of Service Index was up slightly nationally at 57.9 points. Otago-Southland and Canterbury were both on 61 points, Business Central was on 62.5 and Northern EMA was on 63.1.
Otago-Southland Employers Association chief executive Virginia Nicholls said although the region's reading was down two points to 61, it was still the second-highest result in the last eight months.
The categories were healthy. Activity/sales levels was 66.7, stocks/inventories and supplier delivers was 65, orders/new business was 58.3 and employment levels were 54.2.
''Most tourism operators have reported a good start to the summer tourist season, along with the associated cafes and restaurants. The wholesale trade supplying food manufacturers are reporting positive sales.''
Health and community services had had a busy year and that had continued as the year came to a close.
The retail trade was reporting a lack of growth during November and inventory levels were higher than traders would like, Mrs Nicholls said.
