International tourism continues to leave a gap

The latest Infometrics Quarterly Economic Monitor shows activity in regions such as Hawke's Bay and Gisborne has risen 3.7 per cent in the December quarter.

But Otago is still down on where it was a year ago, with tourism spending falling 23 per cent.

Senior Economist Brad Olsen says domestic tourism isn't doing enough in some regions.

He says the differences in those regional economic outcomes is becoming starker, with the lack of international tourism -- and that situation will persist until borders open.