Bay of Plenty's $105.4m Christmas spend-up

Bay of Plenty shoppers spent $105.4 million in the last week, up 12.6 per cent on the same time last year. Photo/file

Bay of Plenty shoppers have spent 10 per cent more during the first three weeks of December compared to last year.

Paymark figures released this morning show the Bay recorded a 10.7 per cent increase in transactions from December 1 to 21 this year.

From December 15 to 21, Bay of Plenty shoppers spent $105.4 million, which was up 12.6 per cent compared to the same time last year.

Otago and Hawke's Bay also recorded a strong growth but the Malborough region, which includes quake-hit Kaikoura, had the weakest performance.

Nationally, the tally of spending through Paymark systems in the first three weeks of December reached $4,214m. This was an increase of 7 per cent.

Paymark figures showed sectors experiencing strong spending growth included accommodation, liquor stores and auto repair shops.