Retail card spending rose 0.9 per cent month on month, or by $55 million in August, after allowing for seasonal adjustments, according to Stats NZ.

The increase was largely driven by consumable goods such as groceries and liquor, which were up 0.7 per cent, or by $18 million.

Fuel sales fell by 2.8 per cent, or $17 million, while sales of consumer durables declined by 0.5 per cent, or $9 million. Apparel sales fell 0.2 per cent, or by $1 million.

The total value of electronic card spending, including services and other non-retail categories, increased by $63 million (0.7 per cent).

Although the results appear glum, Stats NZ business performance manager, Ricky Ho, said spending had “bounced back” because of fewer restrictions compared to last year when New Zealand moved to alert level 4 lockdowns.