Business leaders say NZ's future is bright

Business leaders say there's a lot to be excited about in New Zealand's economic future.

John Key has told a post budget business lunch to stay positive about the country's prospects.

He says New Zealand's geographical position means we're trading even more with Asia, which is still performing strongly.

And John Weiss of the Trans Tasman Business Circle agrees.

"We should be very optimistic about the New Zealand economy, about the neighbourhood that we're in and I think those are really the drivers, what is on our doorstep, whether it's a growing Australian economy or growing Asian economies and how we can capture those - let the market pull us along."

Mr Weiss doesn't think the lack of spending in the budget will stifle growth.

PriceWaterhouseCoopers' Bruce Baillie says Mr Key has been talking to a friendly crowd, but the overwhelming response to the Budget is positive.

He says New Zealand's close proximity to Asia bodes well for the long term.

"What business though has at the moment, is concern about the short term. No one is making lots of money, no one is doing brilliantly well. We've got to survive the short-term."

Mr Ballie says companies still need to keep a tight reign on their expenses.

Photo: NZ Herald