Statistics New Zealand released retail sales data on Thursday. Retail sales in New Zealand climbed 1.2% in the second quarter, exceeding expectations for a 1.0% rise, after a 0.8% gain in the first quarter. The first quarter's figure was revised up from a 0.7% increase.

Core retail sales, excluding automobiles and gas stations, jumped 1.2% in the second quarter, beating expectations for a 1.1% gain, after 1.0% in the first quarter. The first quarter's figure was revised up from a 0.8% increase.

The increase of retail sales in New Zealand was driven by automobile sales and parts retailing industry. Automobile sales and parts retailing industry were up 3.6%, while food and beverage services were up 2.7%.

The industry with the largest was fuel retailing, down 3.3%.