There has been a rise in the retail spending in New Zealand, thanks to the climbing of sales of vehicles. This has happened twice in three months.

In June, the sales of vehicle increased by 2.3%, which resulted in a 0.4% increase in consumer retail spending. It happened after the new tax rates were announced.

On May 20, the Finance Minister, Bill English announced increase in the sales tax to 15% and reduction in income tax cuts, which will be applicable from October 1.

A poll of 1,100 people in June by UMR Research Ltd. revealed that consumers want to make the best of the available time till October, and wish to make maximum purchases.

Both upswings and downswings were experienced by 24 industries in the past month. Out of 24, 12 made progress, which include vehicles, clothing and appliances. There was a rise of 7.5% in motor vehicle sales, which accounted for $43 million. But the automotive fuel business declined by 1.9%, which amounted to $11 million.

The decline in accommodation, café and restaurant sales resulted in the falling of overall sales by 0.2%.

Before the arrival of the report, the New Zealand currency depreciated a little bit against the Dollar from 71.97 cents to 71.74 U. S. cents.