The home improvement sector has seen a massive jump in spending, as consumers get out and enjoy the sunshine.
There has been a five per cent jump in spending across all Paymark-operated EFTPOS machines for January.
That adds up to an extra $191 million being swiped, compared with the same time last year.
Regionally, Canterbury has been the biggest improver, with a nine per cent lift equating to $32 million.
Paymark CEO Simon Tong says home maintenance spending has been on the up since the beginning of summer.
"I think for the last couple of months, we have reported that home and decorating stores and garden centres are doing well, and that is the same for January.
"Home and decorating is up 11.5 per cent, and gardening is up 7.5 per cent."
