Kiwis may be more confident and feel like buying a major item, but are warned not to get too carried away just yet.

New Zealand consumer confidence suggests a pick-up in the local economy as households feel more optimistic about their financial well-being.

Consumers start the new year positively, but still remains "listless and fickle".

Rural consumers are the most pessimistic and that could spread to cities and towns, Westpac says.

The mood of the New Zealand consumer remains upbeat, suvey finds.

The Westpac McDermott Miller Consumer Confidence Index was unchanged at 112.0 according to the latest survey, released this morning.