Centrix is keeping positive despite rising financial hardship and almost half a million Kiwis behind on loan repayments.

The credit reporting agency's latest Credit Indicator report shows consumer arrears are 1.3% higher year on year, with financial hardship up 19%.

But Managing Director Keith McLaughlin told Mike Hosking the figures are seasonal and have been impacted by Christmas and the school new year for the last 15 years.

He doubts this is worth reading too much into, and trends show households have things under control.

McLaughlin says the situation is better than last year.

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