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The Government is under fire for the "circus" of Easter trading laws.
Cameron Brewer of the Newmarket Business Association said the law "will again cause a circus this weekend with many retailers crying foul and others feeling they have no option but to break the law."
He said it was crazy that Parnell could trade on Easter Sunday but Newmarket could not.
"It's equally crazy that visitor destinations like Queenstown and Taupo can trade, but Rotorua, Mt Maunganui and Wanaka can't and desperately want to."
He said the government should have promoted Labour MP Steve Chadwick's private member's bill on Easter trading to become a Government measure, giving it legislative priority.
Last year more than 70 retailers were prosecuted for opening on Good Friday or Easter Sunday, facing fines of up to $1000.
The law currently allows only certain shops, which provide essential supplies, to open on those days.
These include shops providing food ready to eat, souvenir and duty free shops, pharmacies, and shops in premises where there are bona fide shows or exhibitions.
Labour Department deputy secretary for workplace Andrew Annakin said inspectors would be visiting retailers on Good Friday and Easter Sunday.
"While there have been many attempts to change shop trading legislation over the past 16 years, Parliament has chosen not to make changes.
"Unless there are changes, the law as it stands must be enforced. The Department will continue to implement shop trading legislation as thoroughly and effectively as possible."
- NZPA
