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Source: ONE News -
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The government is being urged to make Easter trading laws consistent.
The Newmarket Business Association is calling the situation as it stands a farce.
For example, it says, on Easter Sunday garden centres can trade but hardware shops which also have gardening departments can't.
Association spokesman Cameron Brewer says what is needed is an exemption programme.
That way, he says, shops could be open in places like Wanaka, which has 80,000 thousand visitors for the Warbirds over Wanaka air show this weekend.
Brewer says even though Department of Labour inspectors are being paid time and a half to issue fines, businesses will continue to operate.
He says most retailers in central Auckland do not want to trade on Good Friday or Easter Sunday.
Light penalties remain
However, business owners who do flout the Easter trading laws can continue to expect what are seen as relatively light penalties.
Minister of Labour Kate Wilkinson admits the penalties for trading on Good Friday and Easter Sunday are low, but she says she has no plans to increase them.
Wilkinson says her vote on Easter trading has been pretty clear and she's in favour of allowing it.
Businesses risk a $1,000 fine but many say it's a small price to pay for the benefit of being open.
Union opposes opening
But the National Distribution Union believes keeping Easter as a holiday for retailers is critical.
Parliament has voted down eight bills since 1996 to allow all
shops to be open at Easter.
The most recent bill was from National's Rotorua MP Todd McClay in
December last year. It was defeated by 62 votes to 59.
NDU General Secretary Robert Reid says the arguments that shops should be open for tourists and that stores lose money, don't cut it.
He says it's important for retail workers and families in general to have at least some days of the year which can be family days.
Reid says if politicians can enjoy a few days away, retail workers should be able to as well.
