Electronic card transactions on the Hibiscus Coast and across New Zealand increased in December 2024, indicating a boost in consumer spending and economic activity.

Locals made the most of the holiday season, with spending in retail industries rising by 2.0 percent ($130 million) compared to November 2024.

Core retail industries also saw a 1.8 percent ($103 million) increase.

Breaking it down by category, Coasties spent more on:

• Durables, up $57 million (3.7 percent)
• Consumables, up $36 million (1.4 percent)
• Fuel, up $19 million (3.8 percent)
• Hospitality, up $12 million (1.0 percent)
• Apparel, up $10 million (3.1 percent)

In contrast, spending on motor vehicles (excluding fuel) decreased by $2.4 million (1.3 percent).

The total value of electronic card spending, including non-retail categories, increased by $139 million (1.5 percent) from November 2024.

Cardholders made 183 million transactions across all industries in December 2024, with an average value of $58 per transaction.

For the December 2024 quarter, retail electronic card transactions increased by $203 million (1.1 percent) compared to the September 2024 quarter.

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