Feedback sought on Easter retail rules

‘‘We acknowledge that there are social and economic benefits for the district, but we also want the community to share their views.’’

Councillor Rachel Smith (pictured)

Northland shops will continue to be allowed to open on Easter Sunday under a review of retail rules.

The Far North district’s current Easter Sunday Trading Policy allows business to open on Easter Sunday. The proposed policy maintains the status quo, continuing to allow Easter Sunday trading across the district.

Far North District Council is seeking public feedback on its Easter Sunday Trading Shop Policy permitting shops to open on Easter Sunday.

The Shop Trading Hours Act 1990 enables councils to make a policy that permits shops to open on Easter Sunday district wide or at certain locations.

Councillor Rachel Smith, chairperson of the council’s strategy and policy committee,

says the policy recognises there are benefits to Easter Sunday trading.

‘‘We acknowledge that there are social and economic benefits for the district, but we also want the community to share their views.’’

She says the policy doesn’t mean businesses must open on the restricted trading day. ‘‘If we continue to allow shops to open on Easter Sunday, it will still be up to business owners to choose whether they open. Employees also retain their right to refuse to work on Easter Sunday.’’

The policy excludes businesses, such as garden centres, petrol stations and pharmacies, which can already open on Easter Sunday.

The policy does not apply to liquor outlets, which are covered separately by liquor licensing regulations. Paihia is one of several locations in New Zealand that is exempt from shop trading hours restrictions under the Shop Trading Hours Act 1990. This means shops in Paihia can open on Easter Sunday regardless of the council policy.

The council is seeking feedback on the proposed policy until 5pm on Friday, June 10.