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Source: ONE News -
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Good Friday is one of the rare days in New Zealand when most shops must close for the public holiday.
But some retailers were once again prepared to flout what they say are outdated and unfair Easter trading laws.
Easter is traditionally a busy time for gardeners and many tend to capitalise on garden centres that flout the law.
Oderings has opened at Easter for nearly 40 years and owner Darren Odering says most of the shoppers are mums and dads with their children.
"Then they'll go home and get in the garden...what could be better, what could be more healthy," he questions.
Other stores also choose to open for business, with one record store telling ONE News it would risk the punishment.
"It's worth it just to pay that fine," says Lydia Young from Real Groovy.
Easter trading laws ban all but a few retailers such as service stations, cafes and dairies from opening however some tourist towns are also exempt.
Last year 17 businesses were stung with fines of $1000 for ignoring the rules.
And unions representing retail workers want the laws to stay, along with many church groups.
The National Distribution Union believes keeping Easter as a holiday for retailers is critical. General secretary Robert Reid says the arguments that shops should be open for tourists and that stores lose money, doesn'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.
There have been 10 failed attempts to ease the laws which were last revised 20 years ago - the latest last year called for choice to be made at a local level. Now some business groups want the government to take charge.
"There's a lot of inconsistencies, a lot anomalies, a lot of unfairness and that's what needs to be sorted out," says Cameron Brewer from the Newmarket Business Association in Auckland.
People catering for 100,000 visitors to the Warbirds over Wanaka event this weekend agree.
"I think most retailers in Wanaka would say they want to be open all the time if they have the choice because we are a tourist town and we're full of tourists right now," says local retailer Steve Worley.
And people wanting a beer before the Super 14 rugby match in Wellington may have to stay at home because many of the bars are shut. Liquor laws prevent bars from serving alcohol on Easter Friday and Sunday unless customers are having a meal.
However, fans going to the game can enjoy a drink there as Westpac Stadium is allowed to serve alcohol during the match.
