Statistics New Zealand released the retail sales data on Monday. Retail sales in New Zealand rose 1.7% in the fourth quarter, up from a 1.6% increase in the previous quarter. That was the highest pace since the June 2012 quarter.

The Q3 figure was revised up from a 1.5% increase.

The rise was driven by sales in vehicles and parts. Spending on vehicles and parts jumped 3.4% in the fourth quarter.

Sales excluding automobiles climbed 1.5% in the fourth quarter, after a 1.4% gain in the previous quarter. The Q3 figure was revised up from a 1.4% rise.