A net 68% of the 543 respondents expected the economy to be in better shape in a year's time.
A year ago, the result was a net 32% positive.
''In fact, in this survey on 33 people think the economy will deteriorate in the coming year, 402 see improvement and 108 feel things will remain unchanged.''
The survey was taken on January 28 and the 543 participants were down on the 577 in November but well up on the September and October surveys.
As could be expected, agricultural services, architecture, construction and engineering BNZ clients all said they were busier with increased spending and a shortage of staff being issues.
Manufacturing was busier but exporters were worried about the high value of the New Zealand dollar.
Residential real estate listings were rising but there were plenty of comments stock is not high enough.
Tourism, travel and accommodation reported positive comments and vehicle and automotive sectors were ''looking more positive''.
