Auckland was top of the ASB Main Report regional economic scoreboard for the ninth consecutive quarter.
ASB says construction activity in Auckland picked up considerably and the number of jobs increased strongly as the city geared up for the Rugby World Cup.
High consumer confidence pushed Southland to second place on the scoreboard.
ASB says the upper South Island is performing well, due to the relocation of people from earthquake areas, with Tasman and Nelson both edging towards the top of the table.
Manawatu-Whanganui continues to slip down the rankings and is now at the bottom of the scoreboard.
Canterbury remains in the top half of the rankings, despite the challenges presented by the earthquakes, and there are encouraging signs for recovery in the region.
