Robust spending in most of the retail trade industries has boosted total sales for the June 2016 quarter, Statistics New Zealand said today. A strong increase this quarter follows a more subdued rise in the March 2016 quarter.

After adjusting for seasonal effects, the total volume of retail trade sales had a record rise in dollar terms for the June 2016 quarter. This quarter's sales volumes rose 2.3 percent - the largest percentage increase since the December 2006 quarter. This quarter's increase follows a 1.0 percent rise in the March 2016 quarter.

"Consumer spending is humming along, with DIY and trade staff customers boosting sales in the hardware and building supply trades. Strong vehicle sales also continued," business indicators senior manager Neil Kelly said.

"Twelve of the 15 industries had higher sales volumes this quarter, with some Auckland retailers in particular saying they had an extremely busy quarter," Mr Kelly added.