New Zealand guest nights rose to a six-month high in the final month of 2012 as international visitors filled local accommodation in Auckland, Canterbury and Otago. Total guest nights at commercial accommodation rose 3.1 percent to a seasonally adjusted 2.7 million in December, the highest level since June, according to Statistics New Zealand. That was led by a 6 percent …

New Zealanders lifted spending on their credit, debit and charge cards last month, led by consumables such as food and liquor, and fuel. The value of electronic card spending in retail industries rose 0.3 percent, seasonally adjusted, in January from December, the fourth straight gain, according to Statistics New Zealand. Core retail spending, which excludes motor vehicle-related industries, also gained …

Turners Auctions, the country’s biggest auction house, boosted annual profit 14 percent as it lifted car sales. The company said it is holding off making a special return while it looks at “growth opportunities.” Net profit rose to an expected $4.2 million, or 15.4 cents per share, in the 12 months ended Dec. 31, from $3.7 million, or 13.5 cents, …