Easter trading closer to reality (+ poll)

Rotorua Mayor Steve Chadwick and Rotorua Chamber of Commerce chief executive Darrin Walsh think Easter trading would boost Rotorua. PHOTO/ STEPHEN PARKER

Easter trading in Rotorua is one step closer to becoming a reality.

The Government introduced a bill to Parliament yesterday that, once passed, would allow local councils to decide shops' opening hours on Easter Sunday.

It was expected that Rotorua, as a tourist destination, could be one of the first to give businesses the choice to open," Rotorua MP Todd McClay said.

"This is an issue which has been impacting on Rotorua for more than 20 years.

"It is economically unfair that Taupo and Queenstown can open on Easter Sunday but Rotorua, as one of the country's most important tourist destinations cannot.

"The Government bill is modelled on my 2009 bill which was very narrowly defeated by two votes.

"That was treated as a conscience issue and the announcement that this is now Government policy means that the numbers are there to pass it into law.

"This bill means that through our council, local shop owners will finally have a choice and the many thousands of visitors to Rotorua over Easter weekends will be able to shop."

Rotorua Mayor Steve Chadwick applauded the announcement.

She said it was the best chance Rotorua businesses would get to decide whether they wanted to open their doors in the Easter period.

"I just phoned Todd to say, 'well done'.

"I think Rotorua has missed out for about 20 years, we have made several attempts but this is now perfect - I feel the Easter bunny has come early," Mrs Chadwick said.

"Those that worry about this, don't have to shop but those who are entrepreneurs will see this as a chance to make Rotorua a more vibrant place."

Rotorua Chamber of Commerce chief executive Darrin Walsh said giving businesses the choice would have a positive impact on the city.

"It will be huge, what we do know is that long weekends, particularly Easter, we have people from Auckland and all over New Zealand come here.

"So it is a huge advantage to be able to open and trade and think it will be most beneficial for businesses, particularly those in hospitality."

Retailers the Rotorua Daily Post spoke to had mixed views.

"Rotorua is a tourist town and people expect retailers to open 24/7, it's the bug-bear of retail. [But Easter Sunday] is one of the very few times in the year that staff can take a break and are required to close down," said Hunting & Fishing Rotorua co-owner Adam Rowbotham.

"I think for us, it's important to be given the choice to be open or not. Our store is not like Briscoes where people can just serve, it requires knowledge and experience, so we like to make the most of our downtime and other than New Years Day and Christmas Day we don't really get a lot that's a closed day and we don't have to work."

McLeods Booksellers owner David Throp said he would be keen to open on Easter Sunday.

"This shop in particular is a real destination for a lot of people, they come to Rotorua to come here," Mr Throp said.

But Pastor Garth Piper of the Rotorua Bible Baptist Church believed that Easter trading was not necessary.

"I think we live in a society too wrapped up in materialism.

"Will one or two days a year without shopping really affect our lives that much?"

Key points

* Existing rules allow businesses in tourist centres with exemptions (such as Taupo) to benefit from tourist trade while those without exemptions (such as Rotorua) cannot. This is seen as unfair and confusing.

* Councils will be able to create by-laws to allow trading for all within its boundaries or specify areas where shops can open.

* Businesses will have choice to open.

* Employees can decline to work on Easter Sunday without any repercussions for their employment relationship.

* Does not change rules around sale and supply of alcohol on Easter Sunday.