The economy is "red-lining" as it continues to operate above capacity, with growth stifled by high inflation, scarce labour and disrupted supply chains.
Infometrics' latest Quarterly review suggests little growth over the past three months and just 2 percent over the past year, with a dim outlook over the next 12 months.
Principal economist Brad Olsen says it will be harder and more expensive to find economic growth in 2022.
Despite the impacts of Covid-19 and the flooding in Buller, the West Coast has led the country in economic growth over the past year.
Buller District Mayor Jamie Cleine spoke to Corin Dann.