Easter trading splits mayors

Stuart Crosby (left) and Ross Paterson have differing views on the proposed changes to the Easter Trading law.

Proposed changes to the Easter trading law has received mixed reactions from the Tauranga and Western Bay of Plenty mayors.

The Government introduced a bill to Parliament this week that, once passed, would allow local councils to decide shops' opening hours on Easter Sunday.

The current rules draw criticism every year, as places such as Queenstown and Taupo are allowed to open their stores because they're seen as tourism destinations, while other spots, including Tauranga, miss out.

However, garden centres throughout New Zealand are exempt from the rule.

Tauranga Mayor Stuart Crosby said he supported the move because it gave local government and the community a chance to have a say on something that could benefit the city.

"What might be appropriate and relative for Tauranga might not be for the rest of New Zealand," Mr Crosby said.

"To put it in context, over Easter we are an events and tourism destination. The city is vibrant with lots of people here. My personal view is for trading on Easter Sunday in Tauranga, if people choose to."

Mr Crosby said the council would be required to draft up a proposal, seek consultation and feedback and, ultimately, make a decision.

There would be little cost associated with the council taking on the legislation, so long as it was made clear, simple and understandable from the beginning, he said.

"My view is it's either all in or all out. At the moment garden centres can open so long as they sell a plant. The more complex you make it, the more expensive it's going to be."

However, Western Bay of Plenty Mayor Ross Paterson disapproved of localising the legislation to a district level.

Mr Paterson said he personally had no qualms with shops opening on Easter Sunday however, the move would result in different bylaws for different districts, creating confusion among shoppers and visitors.

"You will go to town and you won't know if the shops are open for Easter trading until you get there. There will be nothing standardised throughout the country," Mr Paterson said.

In Rotorua, Mayor Steve Chadwick was all for opening shops on Easter Sunday.

Key points

* Existing rules allow businesses in tourist centres with exemptions (such as Taupo) to benefit from tourist trade while those without exemptions (such as Tauranga) cannot.
* Councils will be able to create bylaws to allow trading for all within its boundaries or specify areas where shops can open.
* Businesses will have the choice to open.
* Employees can decline to work on Easter Sunday without any repercussions on their employment relationship.
* Does not change rules around sale and supply of alcohol on Easter Sunday.