Regional New Zealand appears to be leading the charge - as overall retail sales see a lift

Stats NZ data shows the total volume of sales jumped 0.9 percent in the December quarter - compared to the September quarter.

Spending was up in 12 regions, with Hawke's Bay seeing the biggest jump, followed by Canterbury and Otago.

First Retail Group Managing Director Chris Wilkinson says sales were up 3.2-percent in the South Island - and 1.4 in the north.

He says rural economies are strong at the moment - driving a lot of confidence.