Community asked for feedback on Easter Sunday Shop Trading Policy

Far North District Council is seeking public feedback on a proposed new Easter Sunday Trading Shop Policy permitting shops to open on Easter Sunday. 

The Shop Trading Hours Act 1990 enables councils to make a policy that permits shops to open on Easter Sunday district wide or at certain locations.

The district’s current Easter Sunday Trading Policy allows business to open on Easter Sunday. The proposed policy maintains the status quo, continuing to allow Easter Sunday trading across the district.

Chair of the council’s Strategy and Policy Committee Councillor Rachel Smith says the policy recognises there are benefits to Easter Sunday trading. “We acknowledge that there are social and economic benefits for the district, but we also want the community to share their views.”

She says the policy doesn’t mean businesses must open on the restricted trading day. “If we continue to allow shops to open on Easter Sunday, it will still be up to business owners to choose whether they open. Employees also retain their right to refuse to work on Easter Sunday.”

The policy excludes businesses, such as garden centres, petrol stations and pharmacies, which can already open on Easter Sunday. The policy does not apply to liquor outlets, which are covered separately by liquor licensing regulations. Paihia is one of several locations in New Zealand that is exempt from shop trading hours restrictions under the Shop Trading Hours Act 1990. This means shops in Paihia can open on Easter Sunday regardless of the council policy.

The council is seeking feedback on the proposed policy until 5pm Friday 10 June. 

The proposed Easter Sunday Shop Trading Policy and accompanying Statement of Proposal can be viewed online at the FNDC website or is available at council service centres. You can provide feedback on the proposed policy at www.fndc.govt.nz/yoursay or email feedback to submissions@fndc.govt.nz. Oral submissions will be held on Tuesday 14 June. Email submissions@fndc.govt.nz or tell us at www.fndc.govt.nz/yoursay if you would like to present an oral submission.