The economic downturn is affecting some regions more than others

GDP figures due out on Thursday are expected to show the economy contracted by about 0.3 to 0.4 percent in the three months to June.

ASB's latest Regional Economic Scorecard shows Wellington fared the worst during the quarter.

Chief Economist Nick Tuffley says Bay of Plenty, Southland and Otago however did the best.

He says provincial New Zealand is doing well, particularly in the South Island, and Bay of Plenty is benefiting from its kiwifruit sector.