Payment system provider Paymark said its figures for March indicated the economic recovery was still patchy.Weekly growth was steady nationwide. Annual growth rose 4.8 percent, to notch up the fastest annual growth rate since October 2008.The combined Auc
Payment system provider Paymark said its figures for March indicated the economic recovery was still patchy.
Weekly growth was steady nationwide. Annual growth rose 4.8 percent, to notch up the fastest annual growth rate since October 2008.
The combined Auckland, Wellington and Canterbury regions rose 4.1 percent, which was below the national average.
Paymark chief executive Simon Tong said the March data continued the theme of a patchy recovery for retail.
"We continue to see variation across sectors and regions this year. Whilst some New Zealand retail outlets are experiencing steady growth, others are still finding their feet. Our figures indicate we've still got a way to go before we're back on track," he said.
Industry sectors experiencing strong growth during the month included footwear up 16 percent, fuel up 14 percent, automotive repair outlets up 11 percent and food takeaways up 10 percent.
Fresh produce and clothing were down two and one percent respectively.
Hotel accommodation spending has jumping 49 percent from a June 2009 low.
