Please Stop the Politicking And Fix Shop Trading Hours Mess

Media release

Please Stop the Politicking And Fix Shop Trading Hours Mess, Urges Retail NZ

As the Shop Trading Hours Amendment Bill is being debated in Parliament, Retail NZ has urged our MPs to put their politics aside and fix the current set of broken rules.

“Retail NZ is really supportive of moves to allow consumers and businesses a choice about whether they go shopping or open their businesses on Easter Sunday,” Retail NZ’s General Manager Public Affairs Greg Harford said today. "The current law is a tangled web of rules, exemptions and inconsistencies. The Bill before the House today is a step in the right direction – but will create further complexity and cost by delegating policy-making power to local councils.

“New Zealand’s a small country and one consistent set of national rules is all we need. Delegating decisions on shop trading hours to local councils will cost ratepayers in administration and consultation costs, and will create further inconsistencies, making it difficult for tourists, consumers and business owners to enjoy their Easters. We strongly urge MPs to take the opportunity to introduce a consistent set of nationwide rules, and allow businesses and consumers to have choice.

“The rights of workers and small business owners are well protected under the Bill, which specifically allows employees to refuse work on EasterSunday, and allows all businesses, including those in malls, to choose whether or not they open. There is no need for a Council decision-making process as well.

“Depending on customer, employee and family demands, many businesses will choose to remain closed on Easter Sunday; but where it makes sense, some businesses will choose to open. In 2016, we operate in a global 24/7 shopping environment, and it’s right that businesses are able to make their own decisions about trading hours.

“As the legislation goes through the House, we’re really hoping that MPs will show leadership and amend the legislation to produce a consistent, permissive set of rules around shop trading hours”.

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