Proposal could see Waikato shops open on Easter Sunday

Ngaruawahia is one of the towns where retailers could choose to open on Easter Sunday under a policy proposed by the Waikato District Council. Photo / File

Retailers in Ngaruawahia, Huntly, Te Kauwhata and Raglan could soon be allowed to open their doors on Easter Sunday under a proposed policy.

Under the policy, all retailers in the Waikato District, excluding alcohol shops, could choose to open on Easter Sunday where they have previously not been allowed.

Waikato District Council is now calling for public feedback on the policy and the deadline for submissions is February 17.

District council acting chief executive Tony Whitaker said it was important the public gave feedback.

"At the moment a number of shops in our district can't open on Easter Sunday. If the policy is adopted it will give business owners the choice. It will be up to the business owners whether they decide to open or not."

The proposed policy has been introduced due to a change in the Shop Trading Hours Act 1990 allowing councils to introduce their own local policies about who can operate on the day.