Unions and retailers disagree over Easter trading

Another year has gone by without resolution of the Easter trading issue.

The National Distribution Union (NDU) this morning spoke out against moves to get rid of trading bans saying it was hopeful "this year won't be the last one that shop workers can enjoy with their families and friends".

"Our Easter trading laws are not just silly rules," spokeswoman Laila Harre said.

"They are there to ensure a bare minimum of non-trading days that celebrate and encourage family life, community activity and religious observances over narrow commercial interest."

Currently the law bans all but a few retailers such as service stations, cafes and dairies from trading on Easter Sunday.

Some tourist destinations in Queenstown and Taupo are also exempt.

Last year dozens of shops ignored the ban, many choosing to pay a $1000 fine in order to keep the doors open.

In response then-labour minister Trevor Mallard and Green Party industrial relations spokeswoman Sue Bradford called for harsher penalties to discourage such action.

However, in the past year there have been no changes to the law - a disappointing result for the New Zealand Retailers Association (NZRA) who have long been calling for a resolution.

NZRA spokesman Barry Hellberg told NZPA there had been nine attempts to change the Easter laws since 1990, none of which had gained the support of government.

The most recent bill, drafted by Rotorua MP Todd McClay to be introduced to parliament's ballot, calls for a law change allowing local communities to decide whether shops would open.

Mr McClay said it did not make sense that tourists had to drive 80km from Rotorua to Taupo if they wanted to shop on Easter Sunday.

Mr Hellberg said if the Government acknowledged there was an issue it should take action on a national level rather than waiting for a private members bill, proposing a local solution, to emerge from the ballot.

Regulatory Reform Minister Rodney Hide - a long-time campaigner against the Easter trading laws - has been tasked with conducting a government review of red tape and unnecessary bureaucracy .

"Garden centres can open on Easter Sunday but the Mitre 10 hardware shop nearby, which also sells plants, can't," he said in March.

"That is ridiculous."

While Mr Hide will have the power only to recommend changes, he expected the review would have extensive impact with some regulations disappearing altogether.

Ms Harre said retail workers stood alongside community groups and churches in 2007 to stop two bills, which would have removed their ability to have Good Friday and Easter Sunday off.

She said they would be keeping a close eye on Mr Hide's review and Mr McClay's bill.

"Easter should remain a holiday that everyone can enjoy, and we're determined to keep it that way."

- NZPA