As the year comes to an end, the latest statistics on the Waikato and New Zealand economy provide a stronger picture than many would have predicted during the lockdown period of COVID-19.

Reassuring signs of stability in recent indicators for the Waikato region including the continuation of spending, increasing jobs advertised, solid export performances and year-on-year unemployment figures show the Waikato economy as performing better…. relative to what we expected or were warned to expect.

A note of caution, while we head into the Christmas period somewhat optimistic we must remain cautiously optimistic as the remainder of the world grapples to bring the COVID-19 virus under control and the timeframes for uncertainties and our borders re-open will see us head into 2021 with an uncertain outlook.

Thank you to all those who have taken an interest in the Radar since its inception, have a safe Christmas break and we note that in 2021 the first Radar will be published at the close of the March quarter (first week of April) as we move to a Quarterly publication.