A BNZ confidence survey showed a small glimmer of hope that business people saw signs of improvement in the economy in the months ahead.
A net 13% of the 324 respondents had a rise in their expectations for where the economy would be in a year's time, from 9% of 270 respondents in July.
BNZ chief economist Tony Alexander said the result was consistent with growth continuing in the economy, though not accelerating as yet. The outcome was consistent also with the bulk of other indicators released recently.
Accountants were seeing a slight improvement but there was still general caution in their client base.
Advertising remained weak, farming was cautious, though with hopes that the deepening drought in the United States would boost dairy prices.
The construction sector was yet to start firing on many cylinders, finance looked stronger, manufacturing remained as mixed as ever, printing and publishing remained tight, as did advertising and media.
Landlords were noting good, but not necessarily lifting, demand. Real estate remained affected by a shortage of listings.
Retailing and tourism looked tough.
"All up, most sectors appear still to be experiencing uncertain demand with tight margins," Mr Alexander said.
This year, confidence in the economy has ranged from a high of net 34.3% on April 4 to a low of -4.5% on June 8.
