Editorial: Forced break a plus

Most people I know think the current Easter Trading Laws are a shambles.

Why on earth can't we shop in the sales on Easter Sunday, buy a bottle of wine at a bottle store or stock up on the groceries while on a day off?

But wait, you can do all these things if you live in Taupo or Queenstown because they are "tourist towns".

As long as I can remember, Rotorua has felt aggrieved about Easter trading laws. Former MP Steve Chadwick tried and failed to get the law changed and so too did MP Todd McClay.

How annoying.

As another Easter weekend ticks over, many people will still be seething about what is perceived to be archaic laws. But what I'm about to say isn't going to be popular.

I have just spent a wonderful Easter weekend at home - largely thanks to that out-of-date and hated law.

Although I worked yesterday, Friday to Sunday were free to do whatever I liked, which didn't include rushing around the shops. I ticked off so many things I really wanted to do - like spending quality time with my family and relaxing (I even sat down and watched a movie for the first time in months, possibly years).

On Saturday I did a little bit of shopping, although couldn't get near Rotorua central as traffic was backed up on the surrounding streets (Amohau and Victoria Sts).

While I've always been one to advocate the freedom of choice - if a shop wants to open, let it open or if a worker wants to work, let them work - I'm feeling so chuffed after such a great weekend, maybe being forced to stay home isn't such a bad idea after all?