Consumer spending has increased in February, signalling a positive recovery within the retail sector

Worldline NZ's payments network shows spending reached more than 3.6 billion dollars, up 2.2 percent on February last year.

The Auckland and Northland regions saw a lift of 2.8 percent year on year - the most growth the area has seen in a single month in nearly two years.

Infometrics Principal Economist Nick Brunsdon says consumer confidence is continuing to grow.

He says December saw a 4.9 increase in retail trade, so it's all pointing in the same direction.