Further signs are emerging of a recovery in retail spending.
Statistics New Zealand says that, excluding car and fuel sales, the seasonally adjusted value of core retail electronic card spending rose 1.6% in May.
It was the third consecutive monthly increase.
Statistics New Zealand says the main contributions came from food and alcohol purchases.
Overall, total electronic spending rose 0.7%.
Electronic card spending, which includes debit, credit and charge cards, covers about two-thirds of retail sales.