MYOB survey finds half of mid-market leaders expect the economy to improve
New Zealand’s mid-sized businesses are growing more confident about the year ahead, with more than half planning to lift wages and a third intending to add full-time staff, according to MYOB research released on 29 October 2026.
The survey covered firms with 20 to 500 full-time equivalent (FTE) staff and annual revenue of at least $5 million.
Jobs and wages in focus
For mortgage advisers, the employment findings are the most relevant, given their bearing on borrower income. More than a third (34%) of firms plan to add full-time roles in 2027, and 27% expect to take on more part-time or contract workers.
The segment employs more than 570,000 New Zealanders, and 55% of businesses surveyed intend to raise wages and salaries in the coming year.
Economy-wide, the picture is more subdued. The Reserve Bank of New Zealand noted when it held the official cash rate at 2.75% on 28 October that employment intentions remain weak, and Westpac forecasts annual wage growth of just 2.1%, with unemployment expected to ease only slightly, from 5.6% to 5.5%, when official figures are released on 4 November 2026.
Revenue gains fuel optimism
Optimists outnumber pessimists almost two to one: 51% expect the economy to improve over the next year, against 27% who see it worsening.
The confidence follows a solid year for the segment. Nearly half (48%) of leaders reported higher revenue than a year earlier, against a quarter whose revenue fell. Looking forward, 52% expect revenue to grow over the next 12 months, while 20% expect a decline.
MYOB executive general manager – mid-market Paul Voges (pictured) said these businesses had proven their staying power. “Backed by an innovative mindset and impressive resilience, mid-sized businesses have continued to outperform expectations in consistently challenging conditions,” he said.
Voges said growth ambitions among these firms “should translate into increased local investment”, with spending planned on people, tools, and product development. Firms plan to invest more in new or expanded products and services (44%), marketing (40%), and plant and equipment (35%).
Exporters adapt to global pressures
With around two-thirds of mid-market firms involved in exporting, global risks remain front of mind. Rising shipping and freight costs topped the list of concerns at 37%, ahead of wars or conflicts (35%), supply chain delays (33%), and geopolitical tensions (31%).
Among exporters, 57% said conflict in the Middle East had led them to change target markets or supply chains. Voges said many are responding by locking in supply contract costs, seeking new overseas partners, or sourcing materials locally.
“New Zealand’s mid-sized firms are well-positioned to be agile and responsive when global events impact or disrupt their business,” he said.
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