Trading bill not enough: Coffey

Labour Party spokesman Tamati Coffey

Rotorua's Labour spokesman says the Government's Easter Sunday Trading Bill does not go far enough.

The bill was introduced on Monday and, if passed, would allow local councils to decide shops' opening hours on Easter Sunday.

But Tamati Coffey, also the owner of a city bar, said the Government should allow trade on Easter Friday too.

"We are happy there's been some movement in this area but we are concerned about what we see as a half measure. What they are talking about is giving councils the ability to decide to trade on Easter Sunday. As a retailer it's terrible that over the weekend I have to close on Good Friday and close on Easter Sunday. That weekend is one of the biggest events of the year."

He said the Government should enact the change for next year, not 2017.

"When Government passes a bill they can get those things out straight away. This could mean a happier Easter for 2016."

Concerns for employees have been raised, with First Union retail and finance secretary Maxine Gay saying power relations in the workplace would make it difficult for employees to say "no" to working Easter Sunday.

But Rotorua MP Todd McClay said employees and business owners would have safeguards. "There can be no consequences for employees from declining to work those days.

"Often leases say businesses have to be open every day they can be, but the new bill will account for Easter Sunday."

He said the current law was old fashioned and out of date.

Taupo mayor David Trewavas said the town had enjoyed being able to trade on Easter Sunday for many years with no repercussions.

Taupo has an exemption that allows shops to open.

"It's just been great to trade on these days, so it's business as usual for us. People that don't want to open don't open - it all depends on the flavour of the retailer."

"Our average population on Easter Weekend would double ... it's part of keeping Taupo a place that is humming."