Releasing the latest ASB Regional Economic Scorecard, Mr Tuffley said Otago kept its four star rating for the three months ended December.
''Employment growth remains a key strong point and the unemployment rate in Otago is lower than the nationwide average rate. House prices continue to lift and the growth in residential consents suggests the construction outlook is excellent.''
The booming tourism sector also shone through, with strong guest nights showing a healthy start to the summer.
Consumer confidence remained the one blight on an otherwise well performing region, he said.
Auckland and Canterbury retained the top spots in the latest scoreboard.
The earthquake rebuild of Christchurch was a dominant theme, and across all measures, Canterbury remained near the top of the pack.
Canterbury was first equal in terms of consumer confidence, and that reflected the generally strong economic performance of the region, Mr Tuffley said.
Construction activity in Canterbury remained high. Growth in the value of new consents had dropped to seventh fastest in the country, but it was now reaching a high plateau.
Activity had broadened to encompass all sectors of the regional economy. The high consumer confidence and strong employment growth were helping to keep cash registers ringing.
Job opportunities should keep attracting people to Christchurch and population growth was strong, Mr Tuffley said.
''The momentum looks good for the year ahead and Canterbury remains the place to be.''
In Southland, economic activity continued at a modest pace, despite the fall in dairy incomes this season, he said.
In particular, the lift in guest nights on a year ago was the strongest across the country. New car sales and construction had also been strong.
Southland's weak spot was house prices, which had barely budged over the past year.
But on balance most indicators were positive.
''With this in mind, we expect Southland economic activity to continue at or around its current modest pace.''
