Northland Chamber of Commerce chief executive Tony Collins said the chamber had been working alongside a local business owner to get the council to relook at this issue, and it was pleased to see the policy developed.
He said about 60 per cent of responders to a chamber survey supported the move.
Collins said speaking to other chambers around the country, the policy hasn't had any negative impacts.
Under the draft policy, shops would only open if they wish to and employees would be entitled by law to refuse to work on Easter Sunday.
"We believe Northland's business owners would respect that," Collins said.
At a full council meeting yesterday, councillors were keen to make sure they got a "clear picture" from the feedback that comes back from the community on the proposal.
Councillor Crichton Christie was concerned it was another step in eroding family life away.
Cr Greg Innes said he had an open mind.
"I can see an argument on both sides, I'll look to see what comes in."
Some retail businesses, such as garden centres and petrol stations, are already allowed to open on Easter Sunday.
Submission forms for the draft policy will be available from the council's website and Forum North.
Forty-two local authorities across the country have an Easter Sunday Shop Trading Policy in place, including Kaipara and the Far North.
The Far North's policy was passed unanimously in 2017 despite reservations from some councillors and more submissions opposing the change than supporting it (24 to 21).
Easter trading was previously allowed only in the tourist hotspot of Paihia.
At the time Mayor John Carter said it seemed "nuts" that Paihia shops could open on Easter Sunday but those across the water in equally touristy Russell could not.
Responsibility for deciding whether to allow Easter Sunday trading was delegated to district councils in 2016.
