Hon GRANT ROBERTSON: The latest New Zealand Institute of Economic Research Quarterly Survey of Business Opinion shows an improvement in general business confidence. It finds that firms are continuing to plan for an increase in staff numbers and investment, with a net 8 percent of firms increasing staff numbers in the March quarter, and a net 18 percent planning to hire in the next quarter. Firms are also feeling more confident about investment, particularly in plant and machinery. As we continue our path to recovery, there is going to be continued volatility, particularly as businesses work through supply chain disruptions and some labour shortages. However, overall, the indicators for the economy are positive, particularly in a global context.