There's a small silver lining for regional councils amid slowing local economic growth. 

The March Infometrics Monitor reveals economic activity has increased just 0.2% over a year, the slowest growth since the first Covid-19 lockdown. 

Building consents have dropped almost 60% in the Tasman District and fell around 25% for all regions. 

Tasman District Mayor Tim King told Roman Travers that despite hard times for regions, it does present councils an opportunity 

He says with the current economic downturn it's ironically a good time to invest in infrastructure. 

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• Regional economies take a hit, slowest growth in years