Many of us are keeping our plastic in our wallets.

Spending on electronic cards is lower than expected for April.

Consumers spent less on groceries, liquor and fuel.

Statistics New Zealand describes the figures as "unusual".

Seasonally adjusted total spending on credit and debit cards fell 2.2 per cent in April after lifting 1.5 per cent in March.

Stats NZ says it will be looking closely at the unusually large drop.

A spokesman says it could be due to changes in consumer behaviour, payment methods, or the way the electronic card transactions are processed.