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NZ retailers report strongest growth in December

New Zealand’s retail sales volume was strongest in December 2012, rising 2.1 percent compared to the preceding quarter that ended in September, Statistics New Zealand reported.

The government agency said the last time sales volumes rose as strongly was in the December 2006 quarter.

Business statistics manager Blair Cardno said 12 of the 15 retail industries had higher sales volumes in the latest quarter. The industries that led in the fourth quarter were fuel retailing, hardware, building, and garden supplies retailing, motor vehicle and parts retailing.

The increase, he added was boosted by the stronger-than-usual sales in Canterbury. In the South Island, sales values were up 1.9 percent, while sales values in the North Island rose 1.3 percent.

"When we look at the longer-term picture, the trends for total sales volume and total sales value have been generally rising since low-points in 2009," Cardno added.