Improving confidence in Wellington's economy means a focus on resilience.

Two thirds of Wellington businesses don't expect the region's economy to improve in the next year according to new figures from the latest Wellington Chamber of Commerce Business Confidence Survey.

Chief executive John Milford said the results are not surprising given the November 14 quake and the region needs to continue its recovery to up business confidence.

"[The] buildings that are coming down, they get replaced and we put new buildings up, and the projects that are being talked about in Wellington City - particularly things like the moving museum, a conference centre and also that we get the port back up and running," he said.

Mr Milford said it's not all doom and gloom with half of businesses reporting that they expect to see an improvement in their own situation over the next year.