Activity is flat in the services sector following three months of expansion, according to new figures.
The BNZ Capital-Business New Zealand Performance of Services Index fell more than 3 points to 49.9 in October, compared to the previous month.
A reading below 50 indicates that activity is declining.
Sales contracted and new orders grew at a slower pace, though employment expanded for the first time in more than 18 months.
BNZ Capital senior economist Craig Ebert says the trend indicates that a recovery is under way in the services sector, but it is not strong.
A similar survey last week showed the pace of expansion slowed in the manufacturing sector.
