Card activity shows business on rise in Northland

36.58 million transactions were made across the Auckland and Northland regions last month - a 6.6 per cent increase from January 2015.

Business is looking up in Northland with an increasing population who are spending more money on goods and services.

There were 36.58 million transactions made across the Auckland and Northland regions last month; a 6.6 per cent increase from January 2015.

In total, $1,808.8 million was spent last month in both regions, a 7.4 per cent increase from January last year, according to the latest Paymark figures.

Tony Collins, chief executive of the Northland Chamber of Commerce, said the vibrancy in the community reflects the region's spending habits.

"Business is growing here. The increase in infrastructure, including fibre connections, help," Mr Collins said.

Paymark chief marketing officer Tim McFarlane said the figures are in line with expectation for the summer months.

"After Christmas, spending is usually somewhat lower although January traditionally sees an increase in accommodation."

This year accommodation was up 30 per cent, food and beverage services were up 24 per cent and entertainment, including movies, rose 20 per cent.

January carried on where December spending left off, with an annual underlying Paymark growth rate of 6 per cent - similar to the 5.9 per cent average for 2015.

Paymark switched a little over 1.106 billion transactions last year on debit or credit cards - an average of 60 transactions a second.