The economy's inching closer to recovery - but hurdles persist

The latest monthly Centrix data shows numbers of people behind on payments are down one percent, compared to last year.

But financial hardship's risen by 300 cases in the month - and company liquidations are up 27 percent year-on-year.

BWA Insolvency principal, Bryan Williams, says it could take until the end of the year for things to turn around - but discretionary spending should pick up, if interest rates lower and costs come down.