1739 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Newmarket Business Association chief executive Mark Thomas said the restrictions are “ridiculous and out of date”.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
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7 hours ago

The Summer Kiwi Quiz is back by popular demand

Summer Kiwi Quiz - 2026

Grab a copy of your local Stuff newspaper between 1 Jan - 28 Jan and participate in the Summer Kiwi Quiz! Test your knowledge, answer the daily New Zealand based questions, and find out how well you know our beautiful country!

Each correct answer will get you one entry into the draw to WIN 1 of 5 Ooni Karu 2 Portable Pizza Oven bundles, valued at $1024! Each bundle includes: an Ooni Karu 2 Multi-Fuel Portable Pizza Oven, Ooni Karu 2 Carry Cover, Ooni 12" Perforated Peel, Ooni Digital Infrared Thermometer and an Ooni Cookbook: Cooking with Ooni. The more answers you enter correctly, the higher your chance of winning. For more information and to submit your answers, click here

The Team at Stuff
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3 days ago

Poll: Do you set New Year’s resolutions?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

🎉 2026 is almost here!

We’re curious ... how do you welcome it?
Do you set resolutions, follow special traditions, or just go with the flow?

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Do you set New Year’s resolutions?
  • 10.4% Yes! New Year, New Me
    10.4% Complete
  • 19.8% Yes - but I rarely stick to them
    19.8% Complete
  • 69.8% Nah - not for me
    69.8% Complete
817 votes
16 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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