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New Zealand Retail Sales Rise in March Quarter

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The total volume of seasonally adjusted retail sales in New Zealand reached NZ$26.04 billion in the March quarter, up 0.9% from NZ$25.81 billion in the December 2025 quarter, according to data from Stats NZ released Friday.

"Total retail activity rose at a similar pace to the December 2025 quarter," economic indicators spokesperson Michelle Feyen said.

Around 10 of the 15 retail industries had higher retail sales volume during the quarter, with the biggest increases in supermarket and grocery stores, hardware, building, and garden supplies, clothing, footwear, and accessories, accommodation, and pharmaceutical and other store-based retailing.

The total value of seasonally adjusted retail sales was up 2.2% to NZ$32 billion, according to the report.

Around 10 out of 15 industries experienced higher sales values, with the largest industry movements including supermarket and grocery stores, fuel retailing, accommodation, food and beverage services, and motor vehicle and parts retailing.

Seasonally adjusted fuel sales increased by 5.9% in the March quarter compared with the December 2025 quarter, with only a partial impact from the Middle East conflict, while the full effect is expected to appear in the June quarter.

Meanwhile, 13 of the 16 regions had higher seasonally adjusted sales values during the quarter, with the largest movements in Auckland, Canterbury, Wellington, Otago, and Bay of Plenty.

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