Spending on credit and debit cards in New Zealand rose in June, led by increased spending on fuel and durable goods.
Retail spending increased 1.2% compared with a 0.3% fall in May when adjusted for seasonal effects, says Statistics New Zealand. Fuel, up $16 million or 2.8%, and durables up $17 million or 1.4%, were among the largest increases.
“For the first time in more than a year all six retail industries had increases in spending,” says business indicators manager Clara Eatherley. “This last occurred in March 2015.” Hospitality also contributed to the increase in June at $14 million or 1.5%.
Core retail spending, which excludes the vehicle-related industries, rose 1.0%, after no change in May.
The total value of electronic card spending, including the two non-retail industries of services and other non-retail, was up 1.0%, following a 0.6% fall in May.
Cardholders made 128 million transactions with an average value of $49.
