If the policy is passed, business owners would have about six weeks to prepare to open on Easter Sunday.
During the meeting councillor Tania Tapsell said she was concerned there was not enough mention in the proposed consultation document about the reason Easter Sunday was observed by the almost 42 per cent of Rotorua residents who were Christians and believed the day was the anniversary of the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Mayor Steve Chadwick said the Government had heard all of the arguments for and against Easter trading and it was now the Rotorua public's chance to have its say.
"We have already missed years of economic opportunity around Easter trading.
"Our policy does not say you have to shop, or that shops have to open. It is not a dictate by the council in any shape or form," she said.
Councillor Karen Hunt said the law had safeguards to protect workers' rights and she was delighted they did not have to lobby central government anymore.
Former Rotorua Chamber of Commerce chief executive Darrin Walsh said in August that local businesses were excited to have the choice to open or not, but also wanted the option to open on Good Friday.
"Rotorua as a tourist destination has for many years been closed whilst other tourist destinations were allowed to open," he said at the time.
Reverend Alex Czerwonka, of St Luke's Church, said his personal opinion as a minister was he had no objection to Easter Sunday trading as long as workers' rights were protected and people could still worship if they wanted to.
"Given the fact Rotorua is a tourist town and that's one of our major industries I have no objection.
"The Christian church is also a great supporter of hospitality to all of our guests and visitors, so I think it's a good thing."
First Union spokesman Morgan Godfery said because of Rotorua's special circumstances as a tourism centre the retail workers' union would respect the council's decision, but would be paying close attention to employers to make sure they did not coerce workers into working that day.
"Working people in retail are only guaranteed three and half days off each year," he said.
"That's worth protecting, not reducing.
"People who work in retail should have the chance to spend Easter Sunday with their family and friends, just like everyone else.
"Of course the Government promises us people will have the chance to refuse work on Easter Sunday, but we know from bitter experience it isn't that simple," Mr Godfrey said.
Easter Sunday Shop Trading Policy
- Approved by the Rotorua Lakes Council for public consultation
- Consultation and submission process to start in January
- Hearings to be held in February
- Final decision expected late February
- Easter Sunday trading could be available in Rotorua by April 16
