Easter trading laws are back in the spotlight again on the eve of Good Friday, with ACT wanting them gone, but religious and union leaders aren’t impressed.
Good Friday is both a public holiday and a restricted trading day. That means the rules for shops are the same as on Christmas Day or ANZAC Day before 1pm.
For most stores, opening at any time on the weekend is illegal, and last year, two Wanaka supermarkets were fined for flouting the trading laws.
The ACT Party wants to see the laws scrapped and is hoping to end restrictions through a private members bill.
List MP and bill sponsor Cameron Luxton said: “I’m really hoping the bill can be drawn and progressed through the House so New Zealanders can enjoy easter the way they want to in 2025.”
But unions say a law change means workers lose three-and-a-half days they’re guaranteed off — Easter, Christmas Day and the morning of ANZAC Day.
First Union spokesperson Rudd Hughes said: “It’s another attack by this current government on workers. The only thing they seem to hold sacrosanct is the pursuit of profit over the welfare of people.”
Religious leaders also say they are saddened the long weekend is under threat again.
“I guess when I read about this, I groaned. I thought: ‘Here we go again’,” Bishop of Auckland Stephen Lowe said.
“It’s coming up every year, it’s coming up every holiday break, but often what we’re forgetting about is people and families.”
But those who benefit from exemptions to trade normally in Tauranga say a more uniform approach is needed across the country.
“I just think simplicity, it’d be good for traders to have the option,” café owner Hamish Carter said.