As the process of establishing a single council for Auckland moves remorselessly onwards, questions are being raised about the region's role in a national economy increasingly producing its exports from the primary sector.

A second quarterly report on the Auckland economy from Business and Economic Research Ltd (Berl) ) and the AUT Institute of Public Policy shows the city making an unremarkable climb out of the economic downturn.

Few signs pointed to the Auckland economy leading the nation into recovery, Berl chief economist Ganesh Nana said, publishing the report today.

"On the contrary, the picture for Auckland seems to follow that of the nation," he said.

"And looking beyond the short term, with New Zealand's export revenues increasingly concentrated in primary commodities and associated processing, the question of the role of the super city within such an economy needs to be urgently addressed.

"Auckland could continue as a property and consumer-oriented economy operating as a transport hub for New Zealand. Or, it could look to truly lead by providing that point of difference for NZ Inc to leverage," Dr Nana said.

"Such a transformation has proved elusive for some time, and there is little sign that we are any closer to finding that export and wealth-generating leader for the nation."

The new report forecast a marginally brighter picture for Auckland's manufacturing exports, but a difficult year for exporters selling to the United States and European markets.

Employment growth was forecast to be modest, at best, while another "stand still" year for the retail sector was expected.

House building was predicted to be considerable, but that would be catching up for lost activity, while short term net migration gains were forecast to ease over the medium to longer term as Aucklanders looked to greener pastures across the ditch.