We're splashing out more in city shops

SHOPPING SPREE: Ingrid Tillman (left) and Madeline Bassett (right), out on a shopping expedition with Nadie Tillman in central Whangarei. PHOTO/JOHN STONE

Northlanders are spending more money. The ANZ Bank Regional Business Trends report released this week shows Northland tops the country in terms of year-on-year economic growth at 7.4 per cent, and 3.4 per cent growth in the first quarter of 2014. Hannah Norton met some Whangarei shoppers and asked them about their spending habits.

Debbie Stephens of Maunu had just purchased $80 of clothes from Glassons.

What day do you do your shopping? Thursday during the day.

What do you spend on shopping each week outside of your regular grocery bill? Between $10 and $20. This outfit is for an interview.

Have you noticed your spending has increased in the last year? It's less than last year.

Sue Lovelace was browsing the shops with her husband.

What day do you do your shopping? Tuesday, once a fortnight, after the pension comes in.

What do you spend on shopping each week outside of your regular grocery bill? $300 each fortnight.

Have you noticed your spending has increased in the last year? Yes.

Dereck Hendricks, Kamo, was browsing the shops.

What day do you do your shopping? Thursday during the day or Friday night.

What do you spend on shopping each week outside of your regular grocery bill? $150 a week.

Have you noticed your spending has increased in the last year? It's increased this year. It's getting expensive.

Billie Te Paa, Kamo, was playing her guitar outside one of the shops.

What day do you do your shopping? Thursday.

What do you spend on shopping each week outside of your regular grocery bill? $100 a week.

Have you noticed your spending has increased in the last year? Yes.