Retail spending in New Zealand remained steady in April, according to electronic card transactions (ECT) data released by Stats NZ.

By category, apparel sales dipped 1.9 per cent, fuel by 2.2 per cent and motor vehicles by 2.9 per cent.

However, card spending on consumable goods rose by 0.5 per cent, on hospitality by 0.2 per cent, and on durables by just 0.1 per cent.

Stats NZ ECT data shows consumer spending trends for April, compared with March, including on debit, credit, and charge card transactions with local vendors.

The total value of card transactions for the month – including services and other non-retail categories – decreased from March by 0.2 per cent.