The New Zealand dollar has risen to its highest level in more than a year against the greenback.

As of this morning it was sitting at more than 73 US cents, almost $1 more than yesterday.

That's the strongest the kiwi dollar has been against the American currency since May last year.

The rise is being attributed to positive risk sentiment and higher commodity prices, although economists note the sector is currently under-performing.

Fewer New Zealanders are staying in motels and hotels, compared to the same time last year.

But while domestic guest nights are down 6.4%, international guest nights are up 9.7%.

North Island stays are down 1.2%, and the South Island saw a slight gain, up 1%.

Despite the drops, the trend for national guest nights is continuing to rise after fluctuating in March and April.

Retail spending is on the up throughout the country, with large growth in the durables and hospitality industries.

They were both up around 1.5% last month, collectively expanding by $31m.

The sector's total electronic spending in June reached $4.6b.

That's an almost 7% jump from the corresponding period last year.

It's the first time in more than a year that all 6 retail industries had increases in spending.

Regions are continuing to benefit from the tourism sector's focus on attracting more visitors outside peak periods.

The latest Monthly Regional Tourism Estimates show most regions experienced growth in tourism expenditure over the past year.

Otago is the fastest growing region, with an increase of 10% totalling $3.2b.

The Government has committed an additional $45m over the next four years to assist the sector in attracting visitors outside peak seasons.

Nearly 80% of KiwiSaver members are reading their annual statements, but less than a quarter are checking whether they're on track for retirement.

Research by investment watchdog the Financial Markets Authority has found males over 60 are more likely to read their statements, while females in their 20s were less likely to.

For those who didn't read the statement the biggest barriers were that it was too complicated or they weren't interested in it.

The research surveyed 2000 people between May and June, with more than 1300 being KiwiSaver members.

It remains unclear whether the proposed merger between Silver Fern Farms and a Chinese investor is done.

Silver Fern Farms had till the end of June to satisfy conditions of the sale with China's Shanghai Maling Aquarius.

The Dunedin-based company insists the deal hasn't been derailed, but it's facing criticism from New Zealand First Leader Winston Peters.

He believes Silver Fern’s directors haven't acted in the best interests of the company, particularly by not seeking shareholder approval for a major transaction.

Those complaints have been rejected by the companies office.

Shanghai Maling is bidding for 50% of the meat co-op, for a price of $261m.

The ramifications of Britain's exit from the European Union is creating a lot of uncertainty for New Zealand markets.

However, Trade Minister Todd McClay has assured exporters New Zealand's economic relationship with the UK and Europe will remain the same for the foreseeable future.

He's currently seeking meetings with fellow trade ministers from both the UK and Europe.

The New Zealand dollar fell to a 10 day low against the greenback after the British public's vote, stoking uncertainty in financial markets.