By Tracy Withers Dec. 18 (Bloomberg) -- New Zealand consumer confidence declined a second month in December, adding to signs the economy’s recovery from a recession will be gradual Confidence fell 2.9 points to 118.6, according to an index compiled by Roy Morgan Research and ANZ National Bank Ltd. Consumers are confident about future conditions but are less optimistic about their current situation, Wellington-based ANZ said in an e-mailed statement. “The dichotomy between current and expected conditions continues to give a layer of uncertainty surrounding the pace of recovery,” ANZ said. Slowing confidence may curb retail spending in the approach to the busy Christmas season, slowing New Zealand’s recovery from the worst recession in three decades. Reserve Bank Governor Alan Bollard last week said he expected households will be cautious about their spending in the year ahead because they don’t want to increase debt. Fewer consumers said the economy will improve in the year ahead, and fewer expect to be better off financially, today’s report showed. The survey of 1,025 people was conducted between Nov. 30 and Dec. 13. An index level above 100 shows that consumers are optimistic. To contact the reporter on this story: Tracy Withers in Wellington at twithers@bloomberg.net.

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