Napier Easter Sunday trading proposal

Napier residents to make a call on whether the CBD shops should open on Easter Sunday. HBT084226-01.

The Napier City Council is hoping the city's residents give the thumbs-up to a proposal which will allow retailers to open for trading on Easter Sundays.

In the wake of the council adopting the Statement of Proposal and Draft Policy on Easter Sunday Trading, and the release of the results of an informal survey of 271 people, that may be the case.

More than half those questioned were in favour, or neutral to the idea.

Mayor Bill Dalton said the combination of the city's good Easter climate and a continuing influx of cruise ships and holidaymakers underlined the value of having shops open at that time.

"Our draft policy is to allow trading on Easter Sunday where business owners wish to open, and where they can staff their businesses with employees who are happy to work on that day," Mr Dalton said.

"From a tourism and economic perspective, it could in fact make a lot of sense to open our shops, bars and restaurants on what could certainly become one of the biggest retail days of the year."

Councillor Annette Brosnan said council welcomed all public opinion on the matter but stresses that if the policy is adopted next year, retailers and shop workers will still have a choice.

Speaking as a "recently retired retailer", Councillor Tony Jeffery added that "tourism has more growth potential than any other industry - I hope people support this."

Napier residents have until January 13 to have their say, with the full draft policy and statement of proposal able to be viewed at www.napier.govt.nz EasterSundayTradingPolicy from December 5.

Residents can fill out an online form to have their say or alternatively submissions can be posted to Freepost 172273 Easter Sunday Trading Policy, Napier City Council, Private Bag 6010, Napier 4142 or dropped at the council office.