New Zealand's continuing to feel the knock-on effects of continuing economic downturn - but is there light at the end of the tunnel? 

The latest data shows GDP rose 0.8 percent in the March quarter, before the fuel crisis started to hit.

However, EMA Head of Advocacy Alan McDonald is urging caution at this stage.

"Everyone's kind of hedging their bets a little, but those underlying good factors that were evident in those numbers...they're still there. But some of the intentions to hire and invest - understandably, it's gone on hold."

LISTEN ABOVE