Dunedin is part of a positive report on the services sector, showing the city's had steady business growth in many areas.

Tourism-related business is up, as well as wholesale and property services.

The latest figures are included in a nationwide services performance index.

It shows that Otago and Southland are leading the way, ahead of the rest of the country.

Activity relates to December, when Dunedin had solid seasonal business expansion, in part due to good weather.

The number of new businesses in the city and wider region are up in particular, with Dunedin seen as a hub for commercial start-ups.