Retailers happy with Easter trading rules as they are

A survey of Takapuna Beach Business Association members has revealed most retailers are happy with Easter trading rules just as they are.

Takapuna Beach Business Association chief executive, Terence Harpur, says from those who responded to the membership survey nearly two-thirds said they did not want to be able to open on Good Friday or Easter Sunday, with a majority supporting Auckland Council’s 2017 decision to keep the status quo.

“There is general support of the current Easter trading laws from our retailers and their staff. Let’s not forget, there are only three and a half days a year of retail restrictions when you include Christmas Day and Anzac Day until 1pm, and it’s clear our retailers want it to remain that way,” says Mr Harpur.

Following years of public debate, Parliament gave councils the power in 2016 to create a policy to allow shops to trade on Easter Sunday. Auckland Council voted to change nothing, meaning only a few Auckland retailers, such as service stations and cafes, can still trade legally on Good Friday and Easter Sunday.

“Kiwis really value the few shop-free days we have left, and our business owners and retail workers deserve the break. In Auckland the Easter trading debate has well and truly been had, and it’s clear it doesn’t need to be revisited any time soon.”

Mr Harpur says most of Takapuna’s 150 places to eat and drink will be open over Easter, with The Department Store putting on its own Easter Show on Saturday from 12pm to 2pm. For a donation to SPCA New Zealand, Easter entertainment will include meeting Easter bunnies and an Easter egg hunt at 10 Northcroft Street.

The Takapuna Beach Business Association has also packaged up some options for parents and children titled ‘What to do these school holidays.’ Details can be found via: https://www.ilovetakapuna.co.nz/what-s-hot/what-to-do-these-school-holidays-in-takapuna/

Activities include Shore City Shopping Centre hosting fun activities in its Game Zone; The Bruce Mason Centre holding APO 4 Kids; The Old Lolly Shop having lollipop making classes; Escape Hunt offering 20% off its brilliantly imaginative games in themed rooms; Premier virtual reality lounge, The VR Club, inviting all ages for a social multiplayer or solo gaming experience; and Tim Bray Productions hosting ‘Break A Leg!’ workshops.

Survey snapshot:

Would you like to be able to open on Good Friday?

36% - Yes

60% - No

4% - Unsure

Would you like to be able to open on Easter Sunday?

29% - Yes

66% - No

5% - Unsure

Do you think Auckland Council got it right by not changing Easter trading rules?

53% - Yes

40% - No

7% - Unsure

www.ilovetakapuna.co.nz

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