The euro zone debt crisis is expected to cast a shadow over New Zealand's subdued economic recovery.
Economists expect Gross Domestic Product (GDP) figures for the three months to March, due out on Thursday, will show quarterly growth of 0.6%, a Reuters poll says.
The poll has economists predicting annual growth of 1.4%, with stronger food production offsetting declines in construction and retail activity.
Westpac senior economist Michael Gordon says a quarterly rate of 0.6% would be the strongest since September 2010.
However, the numbers have "almost become ancient history" because of the fast-moving euro zone crisis.
Declining commodity prices - affected strongly by global and particulary Asian growth - is weighing on New Zealand's economy, Mr Gordon says. Europe is a big funder of the Asian region and a significant source of demand.
"We think (export prices) are probably about half way through their decline, and maybe will hit bottom nearer the end of this year," he says.