Western Bay of Plenty's building and construction sector may be pulling back investment until the government announces the 2010 Budget on May 20, says Tauranga Chamber of Commerce CEO Max Mason.
He says the Western Bay economy is heavily influenced by its building sector.


Max Mason – business conditions still ‘patchy'.

'Many people in that sector, especially investors are waiting for the budget. This means investments such as taking on more staff are being put on hold.”
He says this could contribute to the eight per cent unemployment rate in the Bay of Plenty.
Max says businesses in the region are experiencing 'patchy” conditions.
'Three months ago sectors and businesses that were doing well are now more cautious. And the reverse applies, with some businesses suddenly picking up. It's changing all the time.”
Max is confident the eight per cent unemployment rate in the March quarter will reduce.
'The fact that the rest of the country is largely doing well is cause for optimism. The international situation is still variable and this inevitably affects us, but the overall trend is positive.”