Easter trading restrictions frustrating - ACT

16:07 pm on 27 March 2024

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Easter trading restrictions are so yesterday according to ACT.

There is 3 and a half days each year where almost all shops have to close, ANZAC day until 1pm, Christmas Day, Good Friday and Easter Sunday.

There are Easter exemptions though; including for dairies, restaurants, petrol stations, markets and shops in tourist destinations like Taupo or Queenstown.

The law also allows all shop employees the right to refuse to work on Easter Sunday without needing to give their employer a reason.

ACT reckons the rules are frustrating and in some cases absurd, its MP Cameron Luxton has a private member bill to change that.

Cameron Luxton speaks to Lisa Owen.