Editorial: Easter trading bill is good news

The Easter trading Bill will be good news for retailers.

Many businesses in Rotorua have long felt aggrieved that they can't legally open on Easter Sunday, when those just down the highway in Taupo can.

Every year we see residents and visitors annoyed or bemused that they can't go to the supermarket or do a spot of shopping during the holiday weekend. And every year calls are made for change.

Yesterday the Government introduced a bill that will, when passed, put it back on local councils to decide whether shops can open on Easter Sunday.

The news was welcomed with open arms by MP Todd McClay and mayor Steve Chadwick, who suggested the Easter Bunny had come early.

She and deputy mayor Dave Donaldson, with Chamber of Commerce chief executive Darrin Walsh, support allowing businesses the choice, pointing to the economic boost that would give the city's economy and tourism industry.

While Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Michael Woodhouse has suggested Rotorua could be one of the first cities to take advantage once the bill becomes law, let's not get too ahead of ourselves.

As with most major decisions of the council, there will presumably be consultation and it will be up to the community to decide. And even if Rotorua does introduce a bylaw, Mr Woodhouse has said it's not likely to be effective until 2017.

It may also be wrong to assume all retailers will jump at the chance to open on Easter Sunday.

As one told us, the day is one of very few during the year where staff can actually take a break. Unions agree. Plus there will be those who oppose the move for religious reasons.

The Government has been keen to stress that no one will be compelled to open on Easter Sunday - but making a decision to stay closed will be difficult if all your competitors are open. Similarly, there will be provisions for employees to refuse to work without any repercussions. Is that realistic when the pressure is on to be open and full-staffed?

We all want what's best for Rotorua. That may well be Easter trading. The good news is Rotorua should now get the chance to decide for itself.