Kiwis’ card spending fell last month due to the Covid-19 restrictions in Auckland, according to Stats NZ. 

The agency said electronic card spending last month decreased by $632 million (8.1 per cent) year on year. Meanwhile, card spending on consumable goods, such as in supermarkets, on specialised food and liquor dropped by 0.8 per cent, equivalent to $17 million.

“Covid-19 alert level restrictions on movements and activity can impact on the nation’s spending patterns,” said Geraldine Duoba, business statistics manager. “The seven days of restrictions from February 14 – particularly the three days that Auckland spent in level 3 and the rest of the country in level 2 – are likely to have driven lower spending levels in February.”

According to Stats NZ, spending on the core retail industries fell 2.3 per cent from January to February. The apparel and consumables sectors declined 2.8 per cent and 0.8 per cent respectively.