Vehicle retailing drives growth

Motor-vehicle retailing recorded the largest increase in dollar terms for retail sales volumes in the September quarter, compared with the prior three-month period.

Stats NZ reports automotive and parts retailing by volume rose by 7.2 per cent or $260 million to $3.88 billion in the September quarter.

The sector also accounted for more than half of the total growth in retail sales over the same period after those volumes increased by $472m or 1.9 per cent. 

Figures are adjusted for price inflation and seasonal effects, notes Stats NZ.

Michelle Feyen, economic indicators spokesperson, says: “Retail activity recorded an increase in the September quarter, with growth in most industries. This is the largest increase in activity since December 2021.

“Motor vehicle and electrical and electronic goods retailing saw the largest increases this quarter.”

Eight of the 15 retail industries had higher sales volumes in the September 2025 quarter when compared with this year’s June quarter. Electrical and electronic goods retailing rose 9.8 per cent or $229m.

As for retail sales values, motor vehicles and parts sales were up seven per cent or $284m in the September quarter and totalled $4.34b.

Fourteen of the 16 regions had higher retail sales values in the September 2025 quarter, after adjusting for seasonal effects.

Sales in the South Island increased by 1.7 per cent or $132m to $7.7b, while sales in the North Island grew by 1.4 per cent or $318m to $23b.