New Zealanders are being increasingly careful with their spending

Centrix's latest Credit Indicator report shows positive consumer movement - with the number of those behind on credit payments dropping to 12.5 percent in April.

Managing director Keith McLaughlin says there's also been a drop in discretionary spending.

He says it has a negative flow-on effect to businesses.

McLaughlin says they've reported 193 liquidations and 203 insolvencies in April - a significant increase from last year.