John Key says people should not lose confidence in the job market despite this morning's increase in the unemployment rate.

Salary and wage rates, including overtime, grew 1.7 per cent in the year to the December quarter, says Statistics New Zealand.

Retail sales rose a 1.5 per cent or $82 million in November from October, boosted by rises to vehicle and fuel sales, Statistics New Zealand says.

Guest nights in short term commercial accommodation rose 2pc in November, as a big rise in domestic nights in Auckland more than overcame an overall fall in international nights.

Exports were up 19 per cent in November with the annual trade balance for that month a surplus of $1.3 billion - the first since 2001.

Falling fuel prices helped lift New Zealand's terms of trade 3 per cent in the September quarter.

Electronic card transactions at retailers rose 1.1pc in November, after climbing 1.2pc in the previous month, says new data out today.

NZ posted a smaller-than-expected trade deficit in October as the nation lifted exports, led by a surge in shipments of dairy and logs.