1725 days ago

Poll: Should all Auckland shops be allowed to trade on Easter Sunday?

Caryn Wilkinson Reporter from Community News

Restrictions on trading over Easter have frustrated Auckland retailers desperate for business in the wake of four Covid-19 lockdowns.

Only shops selling certain goods can legally trade on Easter Sunday, and those breaching conditions can be fined up to $1000.

But Auckland Mayor Phil Goff says critics have left it too late, as the process to change trading rules can take over a year.

Local government has had the power to rule on whether retailers can open on Easter Sunday since the National government passed the responsibility down in 2016.

Prior to this, only shops that sell necessities, such as dairies, service stations, and pharmacies, were given exemptions to trade.

Thirty-nine of the country’s 67 councils have created bylaws to date allowing retailers to open if they want, but Auckland, Wellington, and other major centres remain opposed.

Newmarket Business Association chief executive Mark Thomas said the restrictions are “ridiculous and out of date”.

“There are so many discrepancies in the law it seems a bit ludicrous,” he said.

*Please put NFP if you do not want your comments used by Stuff.

Should all Auckland shops be allowed to trade on Easter Sunday?
  • 58.3% Yes
    58.3% Complete
  • 38.9% No
    38.9% Complete
  • 2.8% Unsure- it's too complex
    2.8% Complete
1205 votes
More messages from your neighbours
2 days ago

Scam Alert: Fake information regarding December Bonuses from MSD

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

The Ministry of Social Development is reporting that fake information is circulating about new ‘December bonuses’ or ‘benefit increases’

If you get suspicious communication, please contact Netsafe.

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3 hours ago

accommodation in Wellington

Stephen from Half Moon Bay

Hi everyone,

I’m moving to Wellington for work and looking for a place from 16 February 2026. I’m 22 and starting a full-time role as a young graduate professional in IT/Data Science in the CBD.

I’m tidy, respectful, quiet, non-smoker, and like keeping my space clean. Outside of work I enjoy music and photography, but I do keep things quiet at home. I don’t have a car, so good bus access or train to the CBD is important.

What I’m after:
-Prefer living alone (studio/bedsit) but open to a quiet flat too
- Easy bus access or walking distance to the CBD
- Furnished
- Close to a supermarket
- Long-term
- Budget up to $400/week
- Move in early Feb 2026 or late Jan

Just checking if you know any places

Thank you
Regards, Reuben

3 days ago

Poll: Are Kiwis allergic to “exuberance”? 🥝

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

In The Post’s opinion piece on the developments set to open across Aotearoa in 2026, John Coop suggests that, as a nation, we’re “allergic to exuberance.”

We want to know: Are we really allergic to showing our excitement?

Is it time to lean into a more optimistic view of the place we call home? As big projects take shape and new opportunities emerge, perhaps it’s worth asking whether a little more confidence (and enthusiasm!) could do us some good.

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Are Kiwis allergic to “exuberance”? 🥝
  • 41.7% Yes
    41.7% Complete
  • 33.5% Maybe?
    33.5% Complete
  • 24.8% No
    24.8% Complete
588 votes