New Zealanders are continuing to spend up on their electronic cards in the lead-up to Christmas.
Statistics New Zealand figures showed retail spending using electronic cards was $4.9billion in November, up $176million, or 3.7%, from the previous corresponding period.
When adjusted for seasonal effects, retail spending was up 0.3% in November, following a flat result in October and a 0.9% rise in September.
Card spending across the six retail industries was mixed in November, with four up and two down, Statistics NZ business indicators senior manager Neil Kelly said.
Hospitality had the largest rise and durables fell the most.
Westpac senior economist Satish Ranchhod viewed the latest results as household spending remaining firm.
"November's increase comes on top of solid gains earlier in 2015, and leaves the level of spending up 4.5% over the past year.
"While that rate of growth is a bit down from earlier in 2015, it's still a very healthy rate of spending growth - especially in the light of the softness in prices.''
Looking at the breakdown of spending, there was a "generally positive picture'' of spending, he said.
There was some pull-back in spending on durables and, in light of the signs the housing market was losing momentum, it would be worth watching to see if that continued in coming months.
High levels of migration and strong tourist demand continued to provide support spending.
Households would also benefit from continued price discounting before Christmas, Mr Ranchhod said.
"While spending is looking firm right now, as we look to 2016, we do expect to see some softening in spending growth.''
Employment growth had already slowed and the economy was likely to face some growth issues in the coming year from the softness in global trade, drought and the levelling off of the Canterbury rebuild, he said.
