There's been a modest rise in consumer confidence, though it still sits below average

The latest Westpac McDermott Miller Consumer Confidence Index - for the June quarter - shows a lift of two points, to a level of 91.2.

A level below 100 indicates that there are more households who are pessimistic about the economic outlook than those who are optimistic.

Westpac Senior Economist Satish Ranchhod says the index proves it's been a bumpy and uncertain few months, and many New Zealanders are feeling nervous about the economic outlook.