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There's a brighter future for many as the economic clouds over New Zealand are starting to lift, Kiwibank's latest report says. Photo: Pablo Heimplatz / Unsplash Most of the country is starting to recover economically, even if it doesn't feel like it, Kiwibank says. It has released its latest annual regional report, which it described as "tentatively optimistic" about what lies ahead for the country's economy. Every region increased its economic score compared to last year - with the exception of Wellington - although the highest score remains only five out of 10, recorded in Southland. "We're not shooting the lights out by any stretch of the imagination," said Kiwibank chief economist Jarrod Kerr. "What we're really feeling is that things are slightly better than last year but still at...

Karangahape Road in Auckland. Photo: 123RF Auckland's Karangahape Road restaurants say road works, no parking and anti-social behaviour are putting customers off. Several hospitality businesses along the colourful strip have been forced to shut their doors or move as tough economic times bite, including some veteran restaurants. Figures released earlier this week show unemployment is at a three-year high and retail spending has slumped. K Road restaurant Madame George announced its closure this week, saying the economic downturn made it 'impossible to continue' after almost a decade on the iconic street. Fabio Bernardini, the owner and chef of Latin eatery Tempero, just up the road from Madame George, told Checkpoint the once bustling strip was now half empty and in a battle for surviva...