Consumer spending has increased in February, signalling a positive recovery within the retail sector. 

Worldline NZ’s payments network shows spending reached more than $3.6 billion, up 2.2% on February last year. 

The Auckland and Northland regions saw a lift of 2.8% year on year – the most growth the area has seen in a single month in nearly two years. 

Infometrics Principal Economist Nick Brunsdon told Mike Hosking consumer confidence is continuing to grow. 

He says December saw a 4.9% in retail trade, so it's all pointing in the same direction. 

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