Easter Sunday trade on the table

Public feedback sought as policy reviewed

Taupō District Council’s Easter Sunday Trading Policy is being reviewed and the public is being asked to have its say. The policy is needed because while the Taupō Central area has a historical exemption dating to 1989, other areas like Tūrangi are not covered by that.

Since 2017, the council has allowed all shops in the district to trade on Easter Sunday. Under the Shop Trading Act 1990, the policy must be reviewed after the first five years.

After discussing the matter in its August meeting, the council is proposing the Easter Sunday Trading Policy be continued as it provides clarity and ensures a level playing field across the district for all shops.

The only amendment would be to the policy’s review period. This will change the review period from five to 10 years. A five-year review was previously required under the act but is not required for subsequent Easter Sunday trading policies.

While there is no requirement for a review period, the council decided 10 years is appropriate as it is best practice for ensuring the relevance of policies.

The main reason for the current policy is the exemption for just the Taupō town centre means rules are not applied consistently district-wide.

The council wants public feedback on the following two options before it makes a decision:

Adopt the amended policy, which will mean all shops will continue to be allowed to open on Easter Sunday in the Taupō district if they choose to do so.

Revoke the policy, which will mean only shops permitted by the act and those in the Taupō town centre will be permitted to open on Easter Sunday.

People can have their say at www. taupo.govt.nz/haveyoursay. Submissions are open until October 31 and a hearing will be held on December 13 at 11am in the Taupō District Council chambers.