New Zealand’s economy expanded at a faster-than-expected rate in the third quarter, boosted by spending at the rugby World Cup.
Gross domestic product (GDP) rose a seasonally adjusted 0.8% in the July-September quarter, the statistical office said.
That is up from 0.1% in the previous quarter.
The World Cup helped offset many problems caused by the earthquake that hit Christchurch earlier this year.
“Activity in the retail, accommodation, and restaurants industry was certainly boosted by the rugby World Cup. New Zealanders and visitors to New Zealand both contributed to that rise,” said Rachael Milicich of the statistical office.
“The big mover in manufacturing was from food, beverage, and tobacco, which had its biggest rise since 2002.”
Household consumption was up 1.5%, posting the largest increase since early 2007.