Kiwi card spending drops 0.8% in March, Stats NZ data reveal

Card spending by Kiwi consumers fell in March, with most measured categories reporting declines when compared to February, Stats NZ data have revealed. Spending in the retail industries decreased 0.8% ($52 million) in March 2025 compared with the month prior, while spending in the core retail industries also decreased by 0.

8% ($46m). Looking at the categories, durables reported the largest decline month-on-month, dropping by 2.5% or $39m.



Shoppers also spent less on fuel, likely because of seasonal factors, and apparel, dropping by 2.3% ($12m) and 2.1% ($6.

9m) respectively. Hospitality also reported a drop in spending, down by 1.1% or $14m.

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