-- New Zealand's electronic card spending rose 1.3% month over month to NZ$9.85 billion in March on a seasonally-adjusted basis, matching the 1.3% increase recorded in the previous month, according to data from Stats NZ on Friday.
Retail spending rose 0.7% to NZ$7.08 billion, following a 1.4% increase in February.
Core retail spending, which comprises consumables, durables, hospitality, and apparel, fell 0.1% to NZ$6.36 billion, following a 1.7% increase in the previous month.
Services spending via electronic cards rose 0.1% to NZ$400 million, compared with a 0.4% decrease in the prior month. Excluding services, spending in non-retail industries rose 2.5% to NZ$2.39 billion, following a 2% increase in the previous month.