Businesses urged to have say on Easter trading

Shopping: People are being encouraged to have their say on whether shops should be allowed to open on Easter Sunday. PHOTO/FILE

Rotorua people are being urged to have their say on whether shops should be able to open on Easter Sunday with 24 submissions received so far.

Rotorua Lakes Council has been calling for submissions on its proposed Easter Sunday Shop Trading Policy.

Of the 24 received, 14 were in favour of the proposed policy with 10 against.

Mayor Steve Chadwick said the council approved the proposed policy in principle so it could go for public consultation and now wanted to know what the community thought.

"The new legislation has provided a level playing field across the country and it's important Rotorua people take this opportunity to have their say to help council in its decision-making."

Submissions close on January 27 with a hearing in February.

It is proposed a final decision would be made in time so that, if the policy was adopted, it could be implemented this Easter.

Rotorua Chamber of Commerce interim chief executive Allison Lawton said she believed it was important businesses had their say.

The chamber was sending out a survey to get feedback from members, which it planned to use to form part of its submission to the council, Ms Lawton said.

"I think most will be in favour [of being able to trade] but it will be interesting to see the response we get."

Last year, the Government amended the Shop Trading Hours Act 1990 to allow local councils to have a policy to permit shops to open on Easter Sundays.

The changes do not apply to other dates such as Good Friday, for which current trading restrictions will remain. Most shops in Rotorua cannot open on Easter Sunday, with the exception of dairies, service stations, takeaway outlets, restaurants and cafes, garden centres and duty free stores.

People can make submissions online at www.rotorualakescouncil.nz, or via email or post.