Retail spending dropped in June, compared with the month prior, according to new numbers from Stats NZ.
The Government data agency released its latest electronic card transaction numbers today, with a retail advocacy organisation saying it wasn't "the boost that some retailers will have hoped for".
Stats NZ's figures were based on data pulled during the process of administering payments made with debit, credit, and charge cards. The data indicated changes in consumer spending and economic activity.
The total value of electronic card spending was down $116 million (1.2%) compared to May.
Retail NZ described a "flat" movement, lifting 0.4%, by comparing it with the month of June last year.
'A tough balance to strike'
Retail NZ chief executive Carolyn Young said the latest figures would be difficult for retailers, especially after spending increased 2.8% year-on-year in May.
“Retailers will have been hoping to see another rise in spending for June, with the global uncertainty looking like it was easing somewhat,” Young said.
“Over the last week or two, we have seen those global tensions erupt again with the re-closing of the Strait of Hormuz, so retailers will be bracing for shoppers to cut back on spending further."
Young said one positive in the data was an uptick in grocery spending, which was still below the rate of inflation.
She said many retailers would be thinking about raising prices.
“Retailers always absorb costs where they can, as they’re aware the high cost-of-living has been hitting households hard. '
"While they need to ensure they are covering their costs, they also need to be able to attract customers into their stores. It’s a tough balance to strike when times are tough like this,” Ms Young says.
Spending on motor vehicles, personal services up
Across June 2026, a total of 166 million transactions were made by cardholders. Purchases averaged $55, for a total of $91 billion spent.
Spending in the retail industries decreased by $98 million (1.4%), and spending in the other retail industries decreased by $92 million (1.5%).
Spending on durables was down $67 million (3.9%), hospitality was down by $28 million (1.9%), fuel was down $8.9 million (1.7%), and apparel was down $7.4 million (2.2%).
Motor vehicle spending, excluding fuel, were up $1.6 million (0.8%), and consumables were up $11 million (0.4%).
The non-retail category – including healthcare, tourism and postal services – was down by $34 million (1.4%).
Spending in services – which includes repairs and maintenance, personal care, funeral services, and other personal services – was up by $7 million (1.8%)
Meanwhile, spending in the retail industries increase by a small 0.4% ($82 million) in the June quarter when compared with the March 2026 quarter.
Spending in the core retail industries decreased by $15 million (0.1%) over the same period.
Fuel spending was up by $109 million (7.3%), durables were up $44 million (0.9%), and consumables were up $24 million (0.3%).
Hospitality spending was down by $55 million (1.2%), motor vehicles, excluding fuel, were down by $55 million (1.3%), and apparel was down by $20 million (2%).
Spending in the non-retail category was down $700,000.
Services spending – including repairs and maintenance, personal care, funeral services, and other personal services – was down by $28 million (2.3%).
The total value of spending with electronic cards increased by $145 million (0.5%).
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