May Spending Rises on Essentials: Paymark
Paymark data for May 2026 shows spending increased year-on-year, driven by food, fuel, and liquor.
June 8, 2026
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Source: rnz.co.nz
According to Paymark data for May 2026, consumer spending in New Zealand increased compared to the same month last year. However, the growth was concentrated in essential categories.
The data indicates that all of the spending growth came from food, fuel, and liquor. This suggests that consumers are prioritizing necessities and discretionary spending remains subdued.
Paymark, which processes a significant portion of electronic transactions in New Zealand, noted that the trend reflects ongoing economic pressures on household budgets.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What did Paymark data show for May 2026?
Paymark data showed that overall spending increased year-on-year, but all growth was in food, fuel, and liquor.
Why is spending growth limited to essentials?
The data suggests consumers are focusing on necessities due to economic pressures, with discretionary spending remaining low.
What is Paymark?
Paymark is a New Zealand electronic transaction processing company that handles a large share of the country's card payments.
