The Labour Department says it will be enforcing Easter trading laws this year to the best of its capabilities.
Last year more than 70 retailers were prosecuted for opening on Good Friday or Easter Sunday, facing fines of up to $1000.
The law currently allows only certain shops,
which provide essential supplies, to open on those days.
These include shops providing food ready to eat, souvenir and duty free shops, pharmacies, and shops in premises where there are bona fide shows or exhibitions.
Department deputy secretary for workplace Andrew Annakin said inspectors would be visiting retailers on Good Friday and Easter Sunday.
"While there have been many attempts to change shop trading legislation over the past 16 years, Parliament has chosen not to make changes.
"Unless there are changes, the law as it stands must be enforced. The Department will continue to implement shop trading legislation as thoroughly and effectively as possible."
There are currently two member's bills aimed at liberalising Easter trading before parliament.
National Distribution Union national secretary Laila Harre said the bills threatened two of the last few days protected for workers.
"I hope that as MPs and others travel to their Easter destinations and enjoy time with their families and broader communities they take some time to reflect on the real value of this holiday weekend and the importance of preserving it."
Trading is also restricted on Christmas and half of Anzac day.
If the shops open at Easter tens of thousands of workers would be drawn away from their families and communities, Ms Harre said.
"Easter is the only long weekend that almost everyone can take off work. It is used for thousands of small and large community events," she said.
"It's also a time when we can value life's pleasures without putting more debt on our credit cards."
- NZPA
