Optimism rose as New Zealand shares climbed, and hope springs that global economic growth is possible.

Exporting manufacturers Fisher & Paykel Appliances and Methven topped the list of gainers even as the kiwi dollar rose as well, consistent to a five-month high against the greenback.

The NZX 50 Index rose 12.84 points, or 0.4%, to 3314.63, the highest close since mid-November, according to TVNZ.

Within the index, 32 stocks climbed, 10 dropped and eight stayed as is, in one of the busiest days so far this year. Turnover was $96.8 million.

TVNZ further reported equity markets rose across Asia, with Japan's Nikkei 225 Index up 0.9% in early afternoon trading and Australia's S&P/ASX 200 Index rise about 1%.

Investors are looking forward to the earnings season this month, with many ready for the unexpected, saying results could show "quite a mixed bag," as the high kiwi dollar will adversely affect many listed players.

Fisher & Paykel Healthcare, maker of breathing masks and getting 50% of sales in US dollars, fell 0.9% to $2.12.

Children's clothing company Pumpkin Patch, fell 1.3% to 79 cents, the biggest decline on the NZX 50 on Thursday. Fletcher Building fell 0.2% to $6.43, while Warehouse gained 0.7% to $3.05.

New Zealand stocks "were set up with the firm Euro markets last night and a reasonable Dow," Grant Williamson, a director at Hamilton Hindin Greene in Christchurch, told TVNZ.