Growth was broad-based, with 15 of 16 industries recording higher production. Mining was the only industry to decline, reflecting one-off factors.

“Once again service industries led growth. Goods-producing and primary industries also saw rises this quarter,” national accounts senior manager Susan Hollows said.

The largest contribution to growth came from agriculture, up 4.2 percent.

Growth of 1.0 percent in the service industries was broad-based, with all industries recording a lift.

“The real strength of services this quarter lay in a consistent performance across a range of industries,” Mrs Hollows explained.

Retail trade and accommodation, wholesale, and transport industries all rose, reflecting higher household spending.

Within primary industries, agriculture’s strong performance was supported by growth in forestry. A 20 percent fall in mining – its largest fall in 29 years – provided a strong offset.

“Quarterly growth in agriculture was the strongest since September 2014, with the dairy season ending well after earlier weather disruptions,” Mrs Hollows said. “An unplanned shutdown stalled gas production, which led to the fall in mining as well as some offset to manufacturing activity.”

Manufacturing was further affected by lower petroleum and chemical product manufacturing following a planned shutdown at Marsden Point refinery. - read on . . .