Hurunui Shops Retain Choice To Open Easter Sunday

Thursday, 27 March 2025, 9:31 pm
Article: David Hill - Local Democracy Reporter

Shoppers will be able to hop into stores in the Hurunui district on Easter Sunday.

The Hurunui District Council - which includes Amberley, Cheviot and Hanmer Springs - adopted its Easter Sunday shop trading policy on Tuesday (March 25) despite some opposition, after a policy review.

The policy was first adopted in 2018 and allows shops to choose whether to trade on Easter Sunday.

The council’s strategy team leader Andrew Mactier said 16 submissions were received, with 14 in support of retaining the existing policy.

But two submissions were opposed.

‘‘The two opposed noted there are few days of the year where shops are closed and they felt Easter Sunday should be one of those days,’’ Mr Mactier said.

If Easter Sunday was a non-trading day it would allow employees to have a guaranteed day off to spend with their families, submitters opposed to the policy said.

But Mr Mactier noted the Shop Trading Hours Act 1990 empowers employees to choose not to work without penalty from their employers.

Mayor Marie Black said it was ‘‘heartening to note the policy has been fit for purpose’’, but she acknowledged the concerns raised by the submitters.

LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.

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