Court appearances for Easter trading

Three Wanaka retailers pleading not guilty to illegal trading at Easter this year, are appearing in the Queenstown District Court today.

They are Kodak Express Lake Wanaka, Base and the Perendale Wool Shop. The lawyer for Kodak Express and Base says the purpose of today's appearance is to set a date for a defended hearing.

Three other Wanaka retailers prosecuted for Easter trading this year have already pleaded guilty. First time offenders, Wanaka Sports Centre and Friends Boutique, were convicted but not fined. Wanaka New World, which was also prosecuted last year, was fined $500.

Meanwhile, the Wanaka Chamber of Commerce will this week seek its national body's support for a change to Easter trading laws.

Chambers nationwide are gathering for their annual conference. Rotorua MP Steve Chadwick has drafted a Private Member's Bill proposing the decision on Easter trading be made by local authorities.

Wanaka chamber president John Hare says the Tauranga chamber has agreed to second Wanaka's remit. He is hoping most chambers will support devolving the decision to councils.

The Queenstown Lakes council has pledged its support for Easter trading in Wanaka. Otago MP Jacqui Dean has also submitted a Bill on the issue.

- NEWSTALK ZB