New Zealand appears to be edging closer to a recession, with some regions faster than others.

BusinessNZ's latest Planning Forecast suggests the country's on track for a mild recession, with interest rates rising and retail sales falling.

It says employers are still finding it difficult to fill roles due to the tight labour market.

Chief Executive Kirk Hope told Mike Hosking while not all regions are being equally affected, the national trend is clear.

He says regions like Canterbury are bucking the trend.

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