Radio Tarana 1386 AM number 1 in Indian Radio

New Zealand consumers are pretty negative about their current economic circumstances, but at least feel more positive than their counterparts in the United States, according to a survey

The UMR Consumer Confidence index sits at minus 18 percent, indicating that New Zealanders are not comfortable with the current economic climate.

Respondents were asked their views on the national economy, personal finances and whether it was a good time to make purchases based on cost and personal finances.

While negative, they were more cheery than American consumers who had a comfort index of minus 49 percent.

The consumer comfort index shows how people feel about their current circumstances, compared with consumer confidence surveys which forecast economic expectations.

Two-thirds of New Zealanders believed now was not a good time to buy things they wanted or needed, reflecting negativity about the cost of living and people's ability to spend, UMR said.

Unsurprisingly, people on low incomes were more negative than those on personal incomes over $70,000.

People in the North Island outside the two main centres were most uncomfortable, while Christchurch residents were fairly positive.

Maori, Pacific and Asian respondents felt particularly negative.

The survey of 1000 people was conducted over seven days last month, and has a margin of error plus or minus 3.1 percent.