Markets risking fines of up to $1000 a stall for trading

Several farmers' markets plan to open their gates to business today, saying Easter trading laws are a confused shambles.

The Labour Department disagrees. Spokesman Colin Patterson said the markets were selling goods, not providing services, so they were banned from opening and could be fined $1000 for every open stall.

Market organisers have different interpretations, with some going ahead and others playing it safe.

Pokeno Market organiser Roger Vincent said the law was "a bloody shambles".

"It was so difficult to get my head around it, I'm just going to compromise by leaving the paddock gate open," he said.

"I won't have any official involvement, but if the stall holders think they come under the exemptions that's up to them."

Northcrest Market in Manurewa plans to go ahead today. The organisers believe the rules don't apply because the stallholders mostly sell greenstone and local crafts, and are "providing a service to the public".

Avondale Markets will also be going ahead, with the organisers saying "who cares?" to the rules.