Statistics New Zealand says spending on food and beverage services last month was the second highest in over 20 years following Auckland moving to Alert level 1 early in the month

Aucklanders were allowed out - and the results are clear to see.

Statistics New Zealand says October saw the second highest monthly spend for food and beverage services in over 20 years - almost as high as the Christmas peak in December last year.

This followed Auckland moving down to Covid Alert level 1 on October 8, loosening previous restrictions on social gatherings.

In actual terms*, spending at restaurants, cafes, and takeaways (food and beverage services) was up $79 million (8.8%) compared with October 2019.

In terms of total spending, again in actual terms, spending using electronic cards was $6.2 billion in October 2020, up $472 million (8.2%) from October 2019.

Westpac senior economist Satish Ranchhod said spending appetites have been buoyed by the combination of low interest rates, a resurgent housing market and significant fiscal spending.

"Together, those factors have given household demand a powerful shot in the arm. In fact, adjusted for normal seasonal variations, spending over the past month was around 7% higher than prior to the outbreak of Covid-19."

Looking ahead, he expected spending levels would remain firm through the holiday shopping season, supported by continued low interest rates and the related strength of the housing market.

"However, shortages of some goods (such as household furnishings) could restrain spending levels, or mean that the usual holiday price discounts are more moderate than usual."

Total retail card spending for the January to October period was $54.4 billion in 2020, down 0.9% compared with $54.9 billion in 2019. 

"Several months of higher retail spending have almost made up for record low spending in April, though some industries have fared better than others," business statistics manager Sue Chapman said.

Card spending on long-lasting goods (durables) had the largest retail industry rise in October, up $244 million (17%) from October 2019.

The rise in durables was mainly driven by furniture, electrical, and hardware retailing, up $138 million (20%) over the year to the highest October month value since the series began.

The only industries to see falls in October were fuel and non-retail (excluding services).

Fuel was down $65 million (11 percent) over the year, mainly reflecting lower petrol prices.

Non-retail (excluding services) was down $244 million (13%) – this category includes travel and tour arrangement services heavily affected by international border restrictions, rental and hiring services, and gambling.

*Stats NZ notes that the Covid-19 pandemic has introduced unusual patterns to the monthly and quarterly electronic card transaction series. Electronic card transaction series continues to show irregular spending patterns and historical seasonal patterns are no longer evident. Months up to February 2020 and quarters up to March 2020 are seasonally adjusted, and months from March 2020 (inclusive) and quarters from June 2020 (inclusive) will reflect observed actual value without seasonal, trading day, or holiday adjustment. This approach will continue until an observable seasonal pattern returns to each series.