Easter trading shake-up

Easter trading laws are being relaxed.

Easter trading restrictions look set to be relaxed - but it all depends on Northland's councils.

A bill being introduced to Parliament will give territorial authorities the right to decide whether shops can open on Easter Sunday.

Current legislation requires that most shops close or face a fine, with certain exemptions in tourist-heavy areas such as Queenstown and Taupo.

Minister for Workplace Relations and Safety Michael Woodhouse said this meant some businesses and regions had an advantage over others and branded the historic rules "complex and relatively arbitrary".

The law change will give workers the opportunity to decline to work on Easter Sunday, with no reason necessary. Mr Woodhouse said councils could create a bylaw that will give communities the ability to choose whether or not to allow trading on Easter Sunday. The change is likely from Easter 2017.

Whangarei District Council group manager district living Paul Dell said trading hours were an important part of the mix when it came to creating a vibrant district.

"Trading hours are something that may be considered properly by council in future," he said. "It is very early days right now."

Far North Mayor John Carter said his council will consider allowing businesses throughout the district to open for trade on Easter Sunday.

A decision would be some time away but his inclination would be to establish one rule for the entire district as opposed to making provision town by town.

Paihia already has an exemption from the law prohibiting trade on Easter Sunday. Mr Carter said the council had been receiving enquiries from some Far North communities over Easter trading for some time.

Now that the council had been empowered to make a decision it would "get the ball rolling", although Mr Carter believed it would have been better to address the issue on a national basis rather than by individual territorial authorities.

"We will be guided by our communities, but we will be looking for a consistent approach across the district," he said.

"I realise there will be some significant sensitivities around the issue and strong views from a number of quarters, and we will have to take those into account before we make any decision."