Poll: Should all Auckland shops be allowed to trade on Easter Sunday?
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Newmarket Business Association chief executive Mark Thomas said the restrictions are “ridiculous and out of date”.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.
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58.3% Yes
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38.9% No
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2.8% Unsure- it's too complex
The Village Market
The Village Market
Helensville A&P Showgrounds
Sunday 21 April - 8:30am to 1pm
Why not pop along and spend a relaxing Sunday morning with a great selection of stalls to browse plus coffee, donuts, sausage sizzle and tasty treats from the market cafe, there's also free face painting 🙂
Potted colour
Express yourself with this artistic dip-dye paint effect using Resene paints. Find out how to create your own with these easy step by step instructions.
Commemorate Anzac Day on 25 April
Remember our servicemen and servicewomen past and present by attending an Anzac Day service on Thursday 25 April.
Visit for a full list of services across the region.