Hon GRANT ROBERTSON: Statistics New Zealand reported that seasonally adjusted retail sales fell by 8.1 percent in the September quarter, due to the Delta outbreak and higher alert levels. The decline in spending affected all categories other than groceries, while Auckland experienced the largest fall by region. On an annual basis, however, retail sales rose 8.6 percent. ASB's economist said the fall was not as sharp as had been feared, and it highlighted the New Zealand economy's resilience. Westpac's economist noted that, while retail spending did take a knock in September, the slowdown looks temporary. They pointed out that spending has recovered since then and that they expect it will firm heading into the Christmas period.